POLICE say they had to smash the windows of a van to rescue a dog yesterday, Thursday.

Officers were on patrol in the Burtonwood and Winwick area when they received reports of an overheating dog.

On arrival, they found that the dog had been left unattended inside the van in the warm weather.

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Officers have urged people not to do this, and for anyone who sees a dog in distress in this way to call the police.

The force’s Burtonwood and Winwick Police team said: “We were sadly called to a job of a dog left alone in a hot van.

“Please do not leave animals in vehicles on hot days.

“The owner is now needing new windows as we had to get dog out of vehicle.

“If you come across this and are concerned, please phone it in and do not break windows yourself unless advised to do so.”