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Teenagers charged after attack on rescue volunteer and his dog

News imagePA Media A split image, one showing a man standing outside in a navy coat and white helmet in front of a car - the other showing a black dog on a lead also standing outside in front of a car.PA Media
Search and rescue volunteer Ryan Gray and his trained dog Max were both attacked

Four teenagers have been charged following an attack on a search and rescue volunteer and his trained dog.

Three boys, one aged 13 and two aged 15, and a girl aged 16, have been charged with various offences including assault.

Ryan Gray, from K9 Search & Rescue NI, was walking his dog Max through Bangor on Friday evening when they were both assaulted.

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.

The charges are:

  • A 13-year-old boy has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal
  • A 15-year-old boy has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal
  • A 15-year-old boy has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray
  • A 16-year-old girl has been charged with affray and common assault.

The police said they would like to thank all those who came forward to assist following an appeal for information.

"The investigation is ongoing and further arrests will be made when the other suspects are identified," they added.

Gray, who is the founder of K9, suffered facial injuries and his dog was assessed by a vet. Both of them have been involved in numerous rescue operations across the island of Ireland, England, Spain and Turkey.

On Sunday, the organisation said Gray and Max were both taking time to rest and recover. It also thanked "every single person" who had sent well wishes and messages of support.

"Ryan, already bearing the scars of service as a war veteran who completed two tours of Iraq, has dedicated his life to serving his community and helping those in need," they said.

"Alongside his loyal and heroic partner, Max, they have saved countless lives."