Police probe Midland B&M bust-up as woman 'shaken' after dog 'left in hot car' claim

Police are investigating a heated altercation at a Midlands B&M store after a woman rescued a dog allegedly left inside a vehicle during sweltering 30C-plus temperatures.

The confrontation occurred at the B&M Lichfield branch at Imperial Retail Park near Eastern Avenue on Wednesday June 24 during the red alert heatwave. Dramatic footage captured the incident at the discount retailer.

A woman in her 30s spotted the dog in a car on the car park at around lunchtime and took action to help. She removed the dog from the vehicle, which was in 34C heat, and took it into a nearby air-conditioned store before alerting staff.

The man believed to be the dog's owner then reportedly became aggressive and abusive. During the heated exchange, he was heard repeatedly screaming and threatening the woman with violence. He said "I haven't committed any crime The window was open" and "Give me my dog or I'll lose my's— Give me my dog you weirdo before I punch you in the face."

The woman, left shaken by the altercation, claimed she had liberated the dog after discovering it inside the hot vehicle. Another shopper accused the man of committing a crime, prompting his aggressive response.

Staffordshire Police confirmed officers were called to the store at approximately 1pm. A force spokesperson told BirminghamLive: "We're appealing for information after a woman was verbally abused after taking action to help a dog allegedly left in a hot car."

Police said they spoke to the victim and staff members and reviewed CCTV footage from the store. They are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with relevant dash-cam footage to come forward.

The RSPCA advises that even if dogs are left in cars parked in the shade with windows open, the interior temperature can reach up to 47C within an hour, even when the weather is only 22C outside.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the force on 101, quoting log number 455 of June 24.