TORONTO -- Police are investigating two assaults on men living in tents in Oshawa, Ont., that may have been carried out by the same people.

Durham regional police say the first attack happened on Nov. 19 at 4:45 a.m..

They allege three masked men pulled a 28-year-old man from his tent and beat him.

Police say the attackers demanded money and drugs, and stole his running shoes.

On Nov. 24, police say three men in masks punched and kicked a 56-year-old man sleeping in his tent.

They say he was beaten unconscious and had cash stolen.

The same three suspects, only described as three males wearing masks, may have been involved in both attacks that occurred in different parks, investigators said.

Patrols will be increased and police said they would inform people living in tents in various locations about the incidents.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2020.