Police were called to Bluewater after calls of concern about a dog left in a car.

Officers were seen talking to a man parked outside John Lewis after scores of people became concerned for the animal.

The Six series BMW was parked in a disabled bay with the blue badge indicating the car had been parked there for two and a half hours on Sunday.

A status by Keith Larkin, shared nearly 2,000 times, says: "The windows were cracked open about two inches all the way round.

"I was about to put the window through when a woman signalled me behind to say that her and husband were on the phone reporting it.

"I tried to give the dog some water through the window but he was too scared and not taking it."

Temperatures on Sunday in Greenhithe topped 23 degrees.

The RSPCA say when it’s 22 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can reach 47 degrees within 60 minutes.

Long haired dogs, such as the one seen in the picture below, are more prone to fatal heatstroke than others.

An RSPCA spokesman said: "Most people seem to know the ‘don’t leave dogs in hot cars’ message, but I think they just don’t think anything bad will happen to their pets, particularly if they’re just leaving them for a few minutes.

“In serious cases the dogs can be removed and the owners prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and people need to realise that the next animal to die in a hot car, conservatory or outbuilding could be their pet.

All too often, owners make the mistake of thinking that it is sufficient to leave a bowl of water or a window open for their pet but this is not enough to protect your pet from heatstroke, which can have fatal consequences."

"We tried everything to get the car open and the police were about to smash the window when the owners came out" - Keith Larkin

Mr Larkin added: "Within about 20 minutes the John Lewis manager, security and the police were there including a few bystanders.

"We tried everything to get the car open and the police were about to smash the window when the owners came out.

"He couldn't care less and didn't see what they was doing wrong. I'm only hoping the police have given them a fine."

A police spokesman said: "We were asked to attend a report of a dog inside a BMW at Bluewater at 2.25pm on behalf of the RSPCA.

"The owner returned to the car as officers arrived. The dog was checked over and was safe and well.

"The owner’s details were taken and words of advice given."

The RSPCA advise that if you see a dog in a car on a warm day, call the police on 999.

If the police are unable to attend, call the RSPCA's 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234999.