'Bridger, you’re a rock star': Iron Man star praises heroic six-year-old boy

A six-year-old boy who was mauled by a dog while protecting his younger sister has been promised "something special" by Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr as a reward.

Bridger Walker suffered severe facial injuries after standing in front of his four-year-old sister when the dog of a family friend ran at her earlier this month.

Downey Jr is the latest Avengers star to praise the actions of the youngster, with Chris Evans, who plays Captain America, Tom Holland and Mark Ruffalo all getting in touch with Bridger.

“Bridger, you’re a rock star,” said Downey Jr.

“My name’s Robert Downey Jr, I play Tony, that makes me an old friend of Cap’s [Captain America].

"I heard he sent a shield your way; I’m going to do one better.

"You call me on your next birthday, I got something special for you. Late. By the way – that’s a promise; a promise beats a shield.”

After the attack, Bridger then took his sister to safety, before being taken to hospital where he received 90 stitches in his wounds.

"If someone had to die, I thought it should be me,'" said Bridger.