Police smash car window as dogs left in sweltering heat in Madeira Drive, Brighton

Photos show the moment an officer broke a window in the back of a black car parked in the sun in Madeira Drive, as temperatures hit 24 degrees.

Police said they had tried to contact the owners of the vehicle but had not been able to get through, and "had no choice" but to force entry to let some fresh air into the car.

A small crowd gathered to watch as a police officer used a baton and a glass punch to smash the passenger window.

Police used a baton and glass punch to smash the window. Photos: Whitty Photography

The force said the two dogs, one of which was a beagle, were relieved to cool down with fresh air and some water donated by a member of the public.

The owners - a couple with two children - were pictured returning to the car in surprise, as the alarm was set off on Saturday.

Sussex Police said: "Police were called about two dogs left locked inside a car in the heat of the day on Madeira Drive, Brighton.

"Police officers attended and tried to get a contact number for the owners of the car but were unable.

"Officers had no choice but to smash the side window to gain access and a kind member of the public donated a bottle of water.

Photo: Whitty Photography

"The owners were given strong words of advice on returning to the car a short time later.

"The dogs, who were much improved after fresh air and water, were left with the owners.

"Dog owners should never leave a dog alone in a car on a warm day.

"If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, dial 999."

According to the RSPCA, a car can become "as hot as an oven" very quickly, even when it does not feel that warm outside.

The charity said that at 22 degrees, in a car it can reach an unbearable 47 degrees within the hour.

Photos show the moment the owners returned to their car in shock. Photos: Whitty Photography

A cafe owner claimed the same couple took money from his staff tip jar earlier on Saturday.

Chris Karaszewski, who runs the Carats Café and Bar in Basin Road, Southwick, said the pair had complained about a meal and demanded a full refund, and CCTV footage appears to show the woman repeatedly taking money from the jar on the counter.

He said: "We're a family-run business and everyone tries their very best to make sure everyone has a good experience.

CCTV footage from Carats Café appears to show the woman taking money from the staff tip jar

"I was upset that they think they can come in and do that. It's the cheek of it really and a terrible influence on a child.

"I believe divine justice was done afterwards as they had to pay for a new car window.

"I'm staggered at the number of calls we've had from people to say how sorry they are this happened. I've been very touched by that."

Sussex Police were contacted about this incident.

The photographer who captured images of police breaking into the car requested for The Argus to make a £50 donation to the RSPCA.