TWO dogs left in a van parked in Minehead last Sunday (June 24) were rescued after police smashed the window to release them.

Members of the public called the police after spotting the dogs in a distressed state, inside the van in Warren Road, just after 6.30pm.

Officers attended and smashed the window to free the dogs.

Now the owners’ details will be passed to the RSPCA.

Police also issued a warning to dog owners about hot cars.

“Do not leave dogs unattended in hot vehicles! This window was smashed in Minehead today in order to protect the two dogs inside,” said Minehead beat manager PC Joe Sanderson.

A spokesman for the force said: “The witness did exactly the right thing by calling to report the incident.

“Officers would always recommend members of the public report concerns about animal welfare by calling police or the RSPCA.”

Temperatures recorded in Minehead on Sunday were up to 23 degrees Centigrade.