The dramatic rescue outside an IKEA saw police smash open the window of the locked car to free a dog stuck inside amid 29C heat, after store staff failed to locate the owner

Shocked onlookers watched on as police smashed the window of a locked car outside an IKEA to free a dog stuck inside.

Officers attended the scene at the Birmingham branch of the Swedish retailer on Sunday after receiving reports of concern for the pet's welfare.

The dog was then removed from the vehicle to safety, eyewitnesses said.

It came as temperatures in the area soared to 29C over the weekend amid a nationwide spell of hot weather.

Speaking to Birmingham Live, a spokesperson for IKEA confirmed that the dog had been freed from a locked car, and said staff had made efforts to contact the owner.

An IKEA spokesperson said store staff had attempted to locate the owner before calling police

But these proved to be unsuccessful and West Midlands Police were called to the scene, they said.

A photograph from the scene shows a white dog sat inside a silver car. An IKEA spokesperson said: "We can confirm that a dog was found locked in a parked car at IKEA Birmingham on Sunday. When attempts to contact the owners failed, the Police were contacted and came to retrieve the dog for its welfare and safety."

A member of the public, who wished to remain anonymous, meanwhile told the local newspaper: "Quite a few people who were there were trying to help Ikea staff too, trying to locate the owners. They said it happens quite a lot there.

"Another five to 10 minutes and the dog would have died The police showed up, they immediately smash the car window and grabbed the dog out."

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