OFFICERS were prepared to smash car windows to rescue perspiring dogs, a Wiltshire police inspector warned.

It came as Swindon baked in 31C heat – with the hot temperatures expected to continue today.

Insp Liz Coles said: “There are numerous reasons why people leave their dog in the car, even if it’s just for a couple of minutes where they’ve nipped into a shop, just popped to pick something up or collect a parcel.

“Cars can heat up in a matter of minutes to extremely high temperatures and we are all concerned if there is a dog left in there.

“We have numerous calls throughout the summer to the police around members of the public worried dogs have been left in a hot car.”

In a warning directed at those tempted to leave their pets in the car, she added: “We will come and smash a car window if we see a dog inside that is suffering in order to rescue it.

“At a time when our resources are stretched and our demand is high, please try and avoid these situations. Please do not put your pet at risk.”

Last month, south Wiltshire constable Martyn Powell used his police baton to smash the window of a car and rescue the dog trapped inside the baking-hot vehicle. "Although the windows were opened a slightly, the dog didn’t have any water and had become tangled on their lead restricting their movement within the vehicle,” he said. The remorseful owner agreed to donate £50 to the Dog's Trust.