Four youths charged over assault on man and dog

Four youths have been charged over an incident in which a man and dog were assaulted in Co Down on Friday.

A charity said one of its volunteers was attacked and the animal targeted was a search and rescue dog.

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

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

It was reported that the man was punched to the face multiple times by a number of the youths and his dog was kicked a number of times.

Providing an update, the PSNI said 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, while another 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.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police would like to thank all those members of the public who came forward to assist with inquiries following our appeal for information in relation to this incident.

“The investigation is ongoing and further arrests will be made when the other suspects are identified.”

In a statement on social media, the K9 Search and Rescue NI charity said one of its members and a search and rescue dog had been assaulted.

The statement said: “Our member has received treatment at A&E, and the dog has been assessed by a vet.

“We are grateful for the support shown across social media.”