London police are investigating whether an assault in the downtown was a hate crime.
Police were called to Market Lane and Talbot St. shortly after 8pm Saturday after a man was attacked by two other men.
Police say the victim was pushed to the ground and punched repeatedly. He suffered minor injuries.
The attack had what police describe as "elements of a hate/bias motivated offence." The victim is of Iranian descent.
"Our Street Gang Unit, which is mandated to investigate all hate crimes, is currently investigating the matter," says Constable Sandasha Bough. "They are reviewing the occurrences and consulting with the Crown attorney's office to whether or not it meets the criteria of a hate crime under the hate crime legislation."
A pair of 24-year-old London men have been charged with assault.
Anyone with information about the assault are asked to call police at 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).