NORMAL - Three people were arrested in connection with the beating of three people, including a 12-year-old boy, Tuesday night near Fairview Park's skate park, police said Wednesday.

The fight broke out around 10:40 p.m., apparently after one of the victims, an 18-year-old male, exchanged words with someone in the area while going to get a drink of water, police said. An 18-year-old female was injured trying to protect the 12-year-old once the violence broke out, police said.

There were no weapons believed to be involved, and it was still unclear exactly what prompted the beating.

The 12-year-old was taken to the hospital by Normal rescue, but only because his parents were not on scene, said Normal fire officials. The two 18-year-olds did not require medical treatment.

Police were continuing interviews with witnesses on Wednesday. The three people under arrest - two adults and a juvenile - were not expected to be charged until Thursday, police said.

The Pantagraph does not name suspects in criminal cases unless they have been formally charged.