LEWISTON – Lewiston police are investigating the alleged assault of three Bates College students on Frye Street late Halloween night.

According to deputy police Chief Michael Bussiere, the incident happened near the corner of Frye and College streets late Friday or early Saturday morning, close to the campus security office. One of the injured students walked to that office to report the incident, and all three students then walked to the Bates Health Center for treatment. After they were examined, the students were taken to St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center by Bates security officials.

Bussiere said the students were not able to provide much of a description of their assailants to college security and police officers immediately after the incident, and have since been re-interviewed by police. The case has been turned over to the department’s criminal division for investigation.

According to Bussiere, the Bates students were attacked by three to five men who may be in their late teens.

Detective James Theiss is heading the investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident may call him at 513-3138.

– Judith Meyer