Attack on K9 rescuer and his dog 'just part of a spate of anti-social behaviour in Bangor' says MLA

North Down DUP MLA Stephen Dunne said this has involved “attacks, criminal damage and anti-social behaviour in Bangor city centre”, which have been “deeply alarming for the local community”.

In the most recent incident Max Gray – founder of K9 Search and Rescue NI – was beaten by a group of youths, as was his dog Max.

Detectives received a report at around 7.50pm on Friday of an ongoing fight involving a number of youths and a man in the High Street area of Bangor.

The PSNI had said 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,” adding: “His dog was also kicked a number of times.”

The group involved males and females.

K9 Search and Rescue said that Mr Gray had been “off-duty and socialising” at the time, adding he “has received treatment at A&E, and the dog has been assessed by a vet”.

Mr Dunne said: “I am extremely concerned by the number of alarming incidents that have taken place across Bangor in recent weeks.

“No one should feel unsafe, whether they are living, working, or visiting the area.

“My thoughts are very much with Ryan Gray and Max at this time, and I hope they both make a full and speedy recovery following what must have been a very distressing experience following a despicable attack on them on Friday evening.

“There is absolutely no place for this type of activity anywhere across our local area. It must be stamped out, and those responsible must be brought to justice.”

Meanwhile independent unionist MLA Alex Easton declared himself “absolutely appalled” by the attack.

“The fact that Max, a trained search and rescue dog, was also kicked and injured makes this incident all the more sickening,” he said.

“My thoughts are with Ryan and Max as they recover from this ordeal.

“I have also been made aware of a growing level of anti-social behaviour in shops and across Bangor town centre in recent weeks…

"The police need to get to grips with this situation as a matter of urgency.”

The PSNI confirmed it is “investigating multiple reports of anti-social behaviour over the last number of weeks”.

It added in a statement: “Officers take all such reports seriously and recognise the wider impact that this kind of behaviour can have on the local community and are committed to addressing these issues and supporting those affected.

"Patrols in Bangor and the wider area will continue and officers are also continuing to work alongside partner agencies and local representatives in order to help resolve any issues.

"Police would encourage parents and guardians to be aware of where their young people are and who they are with – and to warn them of the dangers of getting involved in this type of behaviour.”