Search and rescue volunteer attacked by mob of youths

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 17:44 · Archive

A search and rescue volunteer was chased and attacked by teenagers after intervening on Bangor High Street.

A search and rescue volunteer feared he would be killed after being chased and attacked by teenagers on Bangor High Street on 27 March. Ryan Gray, who was walking with his search dog Max, intervened after seeing the group giving another person a hard time. He told the group 'Lads, have a little respect' or words to that effect, which triggered the attack.

As Gray lay on the ground, trying to protect his face and head with his hands, he could see kicks being aimed at his dog. According to his police statement, Max was yelping, indicating the kicks had connected. Initially four teenagers were charged with assault and affray, but charges against a 13-year-old boy were withdrawn for a Diversionary Youth Conference.

Proceedings continued at Newtownards Youth Court against three others: two boys aged 13 and 15, and a 16-year-old girl. The boys admitted causing actual bodily harm to Gray, while the girl admitted the lesser offence of common assault. All three faced affray charges, and the girl also faced an additional ABH charge, contested at the hearing on Tuesday.

How it is being reported

• Court told of attack on search and rescue volunteer and his dog by gang of teensA search and rescue volunteer who was chased and attacked by a violent mob of teenagers when he tried to stick up for someone else feared he would be killed, a court heard today.News Letter · 27 Oct, 17:19
• Search and rescue volunteer chased and attacked by mob of youths feared he would be killedA youth court heard as the man was on the ground he could see kicks being aimed at his search dog as wellBelfast Live · 27 Oct, 15:54

In this story: Ryan Gray · Bangor · Newtownards Youth Court · Max

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log