Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Columbia police are searching for three persons of interest in connection with an assault in Columbia's Five Points over the weekend.

The assault took place around 2 a.m. on August 19 in the 2200 block of Wheat Street.

According to investigators, a man and woman say three men approached them from behind. One of the men called out to get the male victim's attention. When the victim turned around, one of the suspects struck him in the face with his fist, knocking him to the ground. The suspect then hit the man repeatedly in the face, according to officers.

The woman walking with the victim says she jumped on the suspect to try and stop him but wasn't successful.

Police say the victim suffered a broken nose, cheekbone, and black eyes. He was treated and released at the hospital

The victims told police the other two suspects stood and watched the assault and did not stop it from happening.