Four teenagers have been snapped up by police following a vicious assault on a search and rescue volunteer and his dog in Co Down.
Gang Attacks Volunteer and Dog in Bangor
The shocking attack unfolded on Friday in Bangor, where a gang of 15 to 20 youths punched and kicked the man and his search dog multiple times.
A verbal confrontation escalated before the man was punched repeatedly in the face, and his dog was kicked with no mercy.
Police Charge Four Teens, Investigation Ongoing
PSNI confirmed the arrests and charges:
- A 13-year-old boy faces charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray, and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
- Two 15-year-old boys were charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray, one also linked to animal cruelty.
- A 16-year-old girl faces charges of affray and common assault.
Police thanked the public for assisting with inquiries and warned that more arrests are expected as investigations continue.
Outrage from Community and Officials
MLA Stephen Dunne slammed the recent wave of violence in Bangor, calling the attack “despicable” and highlighting ongoing antisocial behaviour in the city centre.
K9 Search and Rescue NI revealed on Facebook that volunteer Ryan Grey and his dog Max were “viciously assaulted” while off duty, with Ryan treated in A&E and Max examined by a vet.
North Down MP Alex Easton expressed his horror: “Ryan Grey gives his time selflessly to help others during challenging rescue operations. For him and Max, a trained search dog, to be brutally attacked is shocking and deeply disturbing.”
Heroic Rescue Work Behind the Victims
Ryan and Max have a stellar record, including involvement in the 2023 earthquake rescue efforts in Turkey, where Max was one of the last dogs to find survivors after a disaster that claimed over 55,000 lives.
Paul Donley, secretary of the charity, said: “This is a man dedicated to reuniting families. He tried to protect Max during the attack. It’s heartbreaking and enraging that youths can run wild and attack anyone.”
The charity recently opened a new base in Bangor, hoping to expand its vital work — now clouded by this brutal assault.
