Police were forced to smash their way into a car to save a distressed dog trapped inside.

Officers were called to Toddler's Cove car park in Canterbury just before 2pm today after passersby raised the alarm.

The owner is thought to have left the animal in the Honda Jazz while she went shopping in the city centre.

The shih tzu-type dog was given water and taken for a walk to stretch its legs while officers waited for the owner to return.

She was given a "stern warning" about the dangers of leaving animals in hot cars.

The vehicle is said to have been parked in the sun for an hour and a half.

Although outside temperatures reached an average of 14c today, the car had a black leather interior which caused it to overheat.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at 1.49pm due to concern for the welfare of a dog that had been left locked inside a hot car at Toddler’s Cove in Whitehall Road, Canterbury.

"Officers attended and smashed a window before giving the dog some water.

"The owner was given a stern warning about her responsibilities when she returned to her vehicle."