Gay couple from Charlotte says they were attacked in the street

ASHEVILLE, NC (WBTV) - A Charlotte couple says they were attacked and beaten on the street, left bloody and bruised. And they say - it's all because they're gay.

Mark Little and his partner, Dustin Martin, visited Asheville a few weekends ago. The couple say they were walking down the street when people in a passing car began harassing them.

Little told WBTV, when they asked the people to stop, a passenger jumped from the car and attacked them.

Little says he and his partner are concerned police aren't taking the crime seriously.

Asheville Police are still searching for suspects. If they are caught, they could be charged with simple assault.

North Carolina's hate crimes law does not cover sexual orientation.