A DOG is in a critical condition after being found unconscious in a hot car at Halton Hospital in Runcorn.

The police were alerted after a passer by noticed two boxer dogs struggling to breathe in a vehicle.

A Cheshire police spokesman said: “Police received a call from a member of the public reporting two dogs who appeared to be suffering the effects of heat in a car parked on the car park of Halton Hospital.

“Officers attended and the dogs, a male and female, were released from the unlocked vehicle.

“Members of the public assisted in attempting to rehydrate and cool down the dogs with water, however the male dog appeared unconscious and unresponsive. “ Both dogs were seized by police.

An RSPCA officer took the male dog to a vet for treatment.

A man and woman, believed to own the dogs, were found after the hospital made a tannoy announcement.

The RSPCA is carrying out an investigation.

The dogs were found shortly after 2pm on Tuesday, September 9.