PORTLAND — Two brothers face assault and civil rights charges after an attack police said was racially motivated.

Assistant police Chief Vern Malloch on Tuesday said Charles Bean Jr., 35, and Benjamin Bean, 30, both of New Gloucester, were arrested around 5:20 p.m. April 19, in an alley outside 790 Congress St.

The brothers are each charged with Class D assault and interference with constitutional and civil rights, Malloch said. Charles Bean was also charged with a second assault charge, and Benjamin Bean was charged with violating conditions of release.

Malloch said the brothers were involved in a fight with another person that drew a group of bystanders. Antonio Byars, 33, was one of the witnesses, and was singled out by the brothers because he was the only black person in the group.

The Beans allegedly used racial slurs and then attacked Byars, who suffered facial injuries and scrapes and bruises on his arms, Malloch said.

The case has been referred to the state attorney general’s civil rights unit and the Cumberland County district attorney.