A man has been arrested after a dog was found "in great distress" locked inside his car in the sweltering heat today.

Police say the animal was spotted by a member of the public in South Mimms who reported that all of the vehicle’s windows and doors were shut.

Hertfordshire Constabulary officers attended and threw water over the dog before it was put inside an air-conditioned police vehicle.

It was then taken to the Royal Veterinary College and is currently receiving emergency treatment.

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The vehicle owner is in police custody. Police have been approached for further details of his arrest.

Today’s incident comes after police officers smashed their way into a locked car over the weekend in Stevenage to rescue a dog.

Meanwhile, in Barnet in north London, the Metropolitan Police reported freeing a dog from a car today parked at the Royal Air Force Museum London.

Barnet MPS tweeted: “Unbelievably, our officers have just had to smash the window of a vehicle to get a dog out at the RAF museum Hendon. 31.5 degrees! JUST DON'T TAKE DOGS OUT IN THIS HEAT.”

Temperatures have reached the mid-30s and a red extreme heat warning is in place by the Met Office with risks to people and animals.

In stern advice to dog owners, Hertfordshire Constabulary said: “Please be responsible. Dogs left alone in a car on a hot day can quickly become dehydrated, develop heatstroke or even die.

“Even if you park in the shade, leave a window open, leave out a bowl of water or put a sunshade on your window, the temperature can still rise to dangerous and fatal levels.”

The force has also advised: “Heat can affect anyone, but older people; especially those over 75, babies and young children, people with certain health conditions and people undertaking strenuous work are at greater risk.

“Heatstroke or heat exhaustion can be prevented by early intervention. Please keep an eye on those who may be at risk.”