Police had to rescue a dog from a car on the hottest day of the year.

Officers from North Dorset police were called by several people to the car after the owner ‘decided to go shopping and leave their dog in the car’.

A spokesperson said: “Several calls to us meant officers attended and opened car to find one sad dog.

“Whilst checking it over, the owner returned and was warned about the dangers of being so careless.

“RSPCA educational leaflet given out to help them understand how serious just a few minutes can be.

“Please don't risk your dog’s health by taking them out, this was one lucky dog.”

It comes as Purbeck Police were also called to a similar incident.

One officer posted on the police Facebook page saying they were called to a dog left in a car on Tuesday with a window open about four inches.

"This is not acceptable, leaving windows open is not enough and if we are called and the owner is not there and the dog is distressed we will have no hesitation to break the window to save the dogs life.

"The owner was there upon our arrival and was given strong words of advice and was informed that this will be followed up by a Police Officer in due course.

"The dog was given water by kind members of public and was thankfully ok, hot but ok.

"If you see a dog left in a car in this heat please dial 999."