POLICE in Herefordshire have warned they will force entry to vehicles if animals are left inside in extreme heat.

Officers from Herefordshire's rural crime team issued the warning after rescuing a dog from a car parked in Ledbury yesterday.

"We will force entry, recover and seize any animal left in an oven car," officers said, confirming that appropriate action will be taken against owners who leave their animals in such a situation.

The RSPCA says dogs should never be left alone in a car on a hot day, even if parked in the shade.

"Never leave your dog alone in a car on a warm day. If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, dial 999," the charity said.

"A car can become as hot as an oven very quickly, even when it doesn't feel that warm. When it's 22 degrees, in a car it can reach an unbearable 47 degrees within the hour."