A concerned shopper smashed the window of a car after a dog was reportedly left sweltering inside for more than 30 minutes.

Police were called by onlookers who spotted the pet locked in the Volkswagen with the windows shut at the Prospect Retail Park in Whitstable.

But before officers arrived, one woman took decisive action and broke the vehicle's window to gain access.

When the owner returned to the car he was confronted by members of the public, who shared pictures of him on Facebook.

One wrote: "This person who owns this car left his dog in it for over half hour with no windows open.

"Thank you to the person who smashed the window.

"To the man who thinks it's OK to leave his dog in car in this heat I hope you get locked up.

"The dog was just shocked. Lovely little dog was so happy to be out of the car."

Another added: "Report him to the RSPCA, or better still put a fur coat on him and lock him in the car - scumbag."

The man is understood to have driven off with the dog after the incident on Friday afternoon.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police has received a report that at around 6.20pm on June 26 an unaccompanied dog was seen inside a parked vehicle in Prospect Way, Whitstable.

"A member of the public is reported to have damaged a window due to concerns for the dog’s wellbeing.

"The dog is not reported to have been harmed and the owner returned a short time later. They left the scene prior to the arrival of an officer."

Read more: All the latest news from Whitstable