Warning as dog freed from car in spring sunshine

April sunshine heated up a car parked in Clay Cross, which forced police to take action

Police have issued a warning after officers smashed a car door window to free a dog that had been left inside.

The incident in Clay Cross on Wednesday has led to a plea from Derbyshire Police for people not to leave dogs in cars during warm weather this Easter.

The force said an "irresponsible dog owner" had left a dog inside a "very hot" Citroen Picasso, which led beat officers and the force's dog unit to smash a side window to gain access.

A spokesperson for the beat team warned "a car can become as hot as an oven" - even in April when the weather does not feel that warm.

The advice comes as BBC forecasters predict sunshine and highs of 20C (68F) in parts of Derbyshire.

Police said the "friendly fella" was freed and taken away, with a message left for the owner.

The dog was removed from the vehicle by officers

A spokesperson said: "Many people think it's OK to leave their dog in the car if they're parked in the shade or the windows are open.

"When it's 22 degrees outside, the car could reach an unbearable 47 degrees within an hour.

"It's very dangerous and will cause your dog suffering and harm."

The RSPCA recommends anyone seeing a dog inside a vehicle showing signs of heat stroke to call 999.