Appeal after man and dog attacked in Bangor

Police are appealing for information after a man and his dog were attacked in Co Down.

A charity said it was one its volunteers 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.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “It was reported 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.

“His dog was also kicked a number of times.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 1493 of 27/03/26.

In a statement on social media, the K9 Search and Rescue NI charity said that one of its members and a search and rescue dog had been “viciously assaulted in Bangor last night whilst off duty and socialising”.

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.

“However, we respectfully ask that the matter is left with the police as their investigation is ongoing.”