A FORECOURT attendant needed 14 stitches after being savaged by a bull terrier dog at a petrol station in Accrington town centre.

Matthew Lord, 20, was left with a gaping wound in his right thigh and other injuries as the dog ripped through his jeans.

Mr Lord, who lives in Accrington, was in the shop at Abbey Service Station when a customer came in with the dog at about 4.40am this morning.

Displays were knocked flying as he tried to fend off the animal.

Mr Lord, who is in severe shock, was released after hospital treatment and is recovering at home.

The petrol station has passed video footage of the incident to police.

Petrol station owner Mike Sheridan said: "The dog attacked Matthew quite savagely.

"The place was knocked about a bit. The dog dragged him all round the shop."

Mr Lord was treated at the scene by paramedic Mark Taylor and ambulance technician Colin Willis.

Mr Willis said: "It was a deep gash and looked quite horrific. He was very brave about it."

Police are making inquiries to trace the owner and the dog.

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