Ryan Gray, founder of K9 Search and Rescue, was attacked by 15 to 20 youths on High Street in Bangor on March 27. The incident began when Gray told the group to show respect to a couple they were shouting at across the street.

Gray walked with his dog Max and a friend as the group grew larger and more vocal. Youths began filming with phones before throwing punches and kicks from the corner of High Street to outside Donegans.

Bystanders intervened, with one man stopping the assault. Police arrived after the call for help.

Gray sustained a broken tooth, broken nose, bruised eyes and whiplash injuries. His dog Max also required recovery time.

A war veteran with service in Iraq, Gray has PTSD that worsened after the attack, causing nightmares affecting his family.

Police Service of Northern Ireland made arrests following the incident. Gray thanked officers for their response and public support including local representatives.

Gray noted rising anti-social behaviour in Bangor, including abuse toward business owners. He aims to engage youths involved to highlight consequences of criminal records.