Man threatens Qld pub with sawn-off rifle

A manhunt is on for a thief who held up a Brisbane hotel with a sawn-off rifle.

The man threatened staff and demanded money from the Sunnybank Hills pub early Thursday morning.

He then grabbed a male worker and shoved the rifle into his back, before making a break for it, Police Inspector Rob Graham told ABC Radio.

Investigators are on the scene and the dog squad is sweeping the area.