A German shepherd 3\AFP

THE RSPCA is investigating after two police dogs died when they were left in a handler’s car during the heatwave.

The German shepherds were left on one of the hottest days of the year. Temperatures reached more than 28C and up to 47C inside the vehicle, which was parked just metres from Nottinghamshire Police headquarters.

It is not known how long the dogs were there. The handler, who was not believed to be on duty, had gone inside the headquarters.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) revealed it would not be investigating the deaths, but the officer, who has not been suspended, could be prosecuted by the RSPCA.

The Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, said it was "saddened" by the news.

A spokeswoman said: "While the cause of death is still to be determined, the charity would like to remind dog owners and police dog handlers that leaving your dog locked in a car can prove fatal, particularly during a heatwave.

"It can take just 20 minutes for a dog to die and temperatures reach more than 40C in some vehicles."

"It can take just 20 minutes for a dog to die and temperatures reach more than 40C in some vehicles."

Today, it emerged that the vehicle was left in the HQ’s car park, just yards away from the force's new kennels.

They were recently built at a cost of £300,000 and have tiled floors and state-of-the-art heaters for the winter.

The dogs had been donated to the force to carry out police work, including tracking down criminals and providing security at major events in the county.

An RSPCA spokesman said: "It was reported to us yesterday by Nottinghamshire Police. We are investigating and they are co-operating with us.

"I am sure this isn't the first incident and it won't be the last."

The maximum sentence for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal is six months in prison and a £20,000 fine.

Peter Davies, Assistant Chief Constable at Nottingham Police , said: "This is a tragic incident and we value the important work our police dogs carry out on a daily basis.

"That is why we swiftly reported this incident to the RSPCA and we will be working with them very closely."

Floral tributes were left outside the police headquarters yesterday.

The force revealed that it had received several calls from members of the public who were angry at what had happened.