COLUMBIA (WACH) - The Columbia Police Department is working to identify three individuals wanted for questioning in an assault investigation.

Chief Randy Scott hopes the public can help identify three men that could give investigators more information on an assault case that occurred on August 19 on the 2200 block of Wheat Street.

As of Thursday afternoon, the idividuals wanted for questioning have not been identified as suspects in the case.

Scott says the victim told investigators that he and a female were walking home from Five Points when they turned on Wheat Street around 2 a.m. on August 19 and were approached from behind by three men.

The victim turned around after he says one of the men called to get his attention, which is when he was struck in the face with another man's fist, according to police. The suspects are accused of repeatedly hitting the victim in the face causing severe injuries including a broken nose, cheekbone and black eyes.

Police say the the female told officers she jumped on the suspect's back to stop the incident, but she was not successful.

The assault victim was treated at a local hospital and released.

The victims say the other two suspects stood and watched the assault without trying to stop it, according to authorities.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at 1-8880-CRIME-SC.