Guard dog attacks would-be petrol station thief

A would-be thief in the US has been chased out of the petrol station he was attempting to rob by a pitbull, who nipped at the man's hands and face despite its owner trying to hold it out of harm's way.

Clerk Justin Ireland was in the office of the business in Saco, Oregon last Tuesday when he was disturbed by a noise outside.

He held his bull terrier Thor back but released the hound when the man brandished a bb gun and tried to shove his way into the room.

The bandit fled the scene in a blue Chevrolet Silverado ute, and is currently being sought by police.

They have released the video in the hope that a member of the public will be able to help them identify the wanted man.