A WARNING has been issued after police were forced to smash the window of a car to rescue a dog.

The dog was trapped inside the car, which had been left in the sun, with no water or open windows

It had been left for more than an hour before officers from Adur and Worthing Police came to its rescue.

With temperatures rising this week, the force are reminding the public that “dogs die in hot cars”.

“The local neighbourhood policing team received a callout to a distressed dog in a vehicle in the sun, that had been there for more than one hour with no water or open windows,” a police spokesman said.

“After a number of checks were conducted to locate the owner and with no persons coming forward, the decision was made to force entry to the vehicle by breaking the rear small window to gain access to the dog to stop any further distress.

“The dog enjoyed a wet towel and a few licks of a bowl of water from some kind and concerned local residents and some well-deserved fuss from the officers.”

The dog was taken to a nearby vet for a check-up.

“We are happy to report that the dog was okay, however the vet stressed this easily could have had a different result,” the police spokesman added.

“The owner and dog were later happily reunited with some serious words of advice, and we are glad to say we do not believe this dog will be left in the car ever again.

“Not long is too long. Parking in the shade or leaving windows open cannot protect your dog. Please leave them at home.”

If you see a dog in distress, the public is urged to call 999 immediately.

More information on what to do if you find a dog in a hot car can be found on the RSPCA website.

In June last year, a couple left their two dogs in a hot car before allegedly stealing from the staff tip jar at Carats Cafe, Southwick.

Police were forced to smash the window of the car in Madeira Drive, Brighton, to rescue two dogs left in a cage in the blistering heat.