Rescue volunteer and search dog injured in assault

A search and rescue volunteer and his trained dog have both been injured after being "viciously attacked" by a group of young people.

K9 Search & Rescue NI said its founder Ryan Gray was walking his dog Max through Bangor, County Down, on Friday when they were both assaulted.

The charity's secretary, Paul Donley, said about 20 youths both male and female took part in the attack, punching and kicking both Gray and Max.

Police said they received a report of an ongoing fight involving a number of youths and a man in the High Street at about 19:50 GMT.

In a statement the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said: "It was reported that, following a verbal exchange with approximately 15 to 20 young people as he was walking up the street, the man was punched to the face multiple times by a number of the youths.

"His dog was also kicked a number of times.

"Upon arrival at the scene, officers saw a number of young people running off, most of them dressed in dark clothing."

Donley, who described the assault as "vicious", said Gray suffered serious facial injuries and had to attend the hospital emergency department, while Max will have to be taken to a vet.

"I'd say the dog is very shaken up. I don't know how this is going to affect him," he said.

Gray and Max the dog were part of the K9 Search & Rescue NI team that went to the Turkish city of Adana in 2023 to help search for survivors after an Earthquake.

More than 55,000 people died in Turkey and neighbouring Syria after the 7.8 magnitude natural disaster.

"Max was one of the last dogs to find a survivor in Turkey," Donley said.

He added both Gray and Max have been involved in numerous rescue operations throughout Ireland, England and Spain since and would have been on standby on Saturday.

Donley said throughout the attack on Friday night Gray tried to protect the rescue dog.

"It's very upsetting, because this is a man who has dedicated himself to helping others, helping reunite families with people," he said.

The charity has recently opened a new base of operations in Bangor.

"Things were looking up and then for this to happen, it's just hard to believe and it's angered me deeply, that youths can run around unchecked and attack whoever they want," he added.

North Down MP Alex Easton said he was appalled at the "vicious and cowardly" attack on Ryan Gray and Max.

"Ryan is someone who gives his time selflessly to help others through search and rescue work, often in the most challenging of circumstances," he said.

"For him to be subjected to such a brutal assault, alongside his trained dog, is both shocking and deeply disturbing."

North Down MLA Stephen Dunne said on social media that there have been a number of "alarming incidents" of attacks, damage and anti-social behaviour within Bangor city centre in recent days and weeks.

He added that he hopes Gray and Max make a full recovery.

"There is no place for this type of activity anywhere across our local area and it must be stamped out, and those responsible brought to justice," he said.

The PSNI are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.