A 6-year-old boy has been hailed a hero after saving his younger sister from a vicious dog attack.

Bridger Walker of Cheyenne, Wyoming, needed almost 100 stitches to his face after he was mauled by the out of control canine on Thursday, July 9.

According to a post on Instagram from the boy’s aunt, Bridger was attacked after placing himself between his little sister and the charging dog.

After suffering severe lacerations to the face, the youngster was still able to grab his sister’s hand and lead her to safety.

“If someone had to die, I thought it should be me,” Bridger later said.

Bridger’s family have received a flood of public support following the incident, however, they have urged supporters to consider instead donating to Mission 22 and the Wounded Warrior Program, organisations assisting returned veterans.

The boy’s aunt tagged the cast of Marvel’s Avengers in the post, saying: “I know it’s a long shot, but I’m reaching out to the Avengers and other heroes so that they can learn about this latest addition to their ranks.”

View this post on Instagram

My nephew is a hero who saved his little sister from an attacking dog. He, himself, took on the attack so that the dog wouldn’t get his sister. He later said, “If someone was going to die, I thought it should be me.” He got home from the hospital last night. I know it’s a long shot, but I’m reaching out to the Avengers and other heroes so that they can learn about this latest addition to their ranks. Please, check your DM’s for my sweet nephew’s story. @tomholland2013 @chrishemsworth @robertdowneyjr @markruffalo @prattprattpratt @twhiddleston @chadwickboseman @vindiesel @chrisevans @vancityreynolds @thehughjackman Edit: I never expected my sweet nephew’s story to reach so many. Please, follow my other post (I only have two so far 😅) for the latest info regarding my sweet nephew and his family.

A post shared by Nikki Walker (@nicolenoelwalker) on Jul 11, 2020 at 7:42am PDT