Police: Gay couple attacked by group in Center City

Two gay men were attacked by a group Thursday night in Center City in what might have been a hate crime and robbery, police said.

The victims, ages 27 and 28, were walking in the area of 16th and Chancellor Streets around 10:45 when they were confronted by two males and six or seven females, said Capt. Frank Banford, commanding officer of Central Detectives.

Someone in the group asked whether the men were a couple, Banford said.

"Yes, do you have a problem?" one of the men replied, Banford said.

The group then beat the two men, Banford said. During the assault, one of the victims dropped a bag and one of the assailants took it as they fled.

The 27-year-old was transported to Hahnemann University Hospital with a bone fracture in his face that will require surgery, Banford said.

Detectives were checking numerous surveillance videos in the area to help track down the perpetrators, Banford said.

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@RobertMoran215