A 17-year-old girl appeared at Newtownards Youth Court on Tuesday charged with offences linked to an assault on a search and rescue volunteer and his dog in Bangor.

The girl and three teenage boys, aged 13 and 15, face joint charges of affray on High Street on 27 March. The boys are also charged with causing actual bodily harm to Ryan Gray, founder of K9 Search and Rescue. The 17-year-old is charged with common assault on Mr Gray. Two of the boys face additional charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog.

Defence solicitor told the court the girl has been in custody for ten days. She had been living with her mother but cannot return there due to a threat confirmed by police.

The solicitor said the girl's mother is seeking an emergency housing transfer outside the threat area. No alternative address is currently available.

District Judge Amanda Brady adjourned the case to mid-June. The solicitor indicated the matter could return to court earlier if a suitable address becomes available.