As temperatures soared to almost 30 degrees on Tuesday, the two German Shepherds were found in the car at police headquarters.

The dogs were found in a private vehicle, which is owned by a member of the dog unit who was on duty at the time.

The incident is now being investigated by the RSPCA, and a spokesman said: "We are investigating two dogs which have died in a hot car.

"When it's sunny or warm outside, we would urge dog owners not to leave a dog in a car.

"It can cause health problems and prove fatal. Temperatures can rise to 47 degrees celsius in a car quite quickly and that is enough to kill a dog."

Meanwhile, a senior officer at Nottinghamshire Police has spoken about the shock and sadness following the death of two police dogs.

Chf Supt Ak Khan said: "There is a sense of shock and sadness at the news of the death of two of our police dogs and we understand the upset that this has caused the public and members of our staff.

"I can assure you that this incident is being taken very, very seriously. The RSPCA is leading an investigation and we will be working with them very closely. There will also be an internal inquiry and we will look at our practices and procedures to ensure this never happens again.

"The bond and the love between the trainers, handlers and the dogs, is absolutely outstanding. The dog unit and the individual concerned are absolutely devastated by what has happened and we can only imagine what they are going through after losing two of their own."

The force has been overwhelmed with messages from the public today who expressed their sadness and concern following the deaths.