Staffordshire Police are investigating a heated altercation at a B&M store in Lichfield after a woman removed a dog from a sweltering car during a red alert heatwave. The incident, captured on film, shows a man threatening to punch the woman after she claimed to have 'liberated' his dog from a van.
Confrontation caught on camera
The bust-up occurred on Wednesday, June 24, at the B&M on Imperial Retail Park when temperatures soared above 30°C. In the footage, the man repeatedly screams 'give me my dog' while another shopper accuses him of committing a crime. The woman, in her 30s, said she found the dog inside 'a van in 34C heat' and took it into the air-conditioned store.
The man retorted: 'I haven't committed any crime. The window was open.' He then threatened: 'Give me my dog or I'll lose my s***. Give me my dog you weirdo before I punch you in the face.'
Police response and appeal
Staffordshire Police confirmed they were called to the store around 1pm. A force spokesperson said: 'We're appealing for information after a woman was verbally abused after taking action to help a dog allegedly left in a hot car. The victim had spotted the dog on the car park and took it into a nearby store. The owner then reportedly became aggressive and abusive.'
Officers spoke to the victim and staff, reviewed CCTV, and confirmed the woman was left shaken but unhurt. They are seeking witnesses or dash-cam footage.
RSPCA warning on hot cars
The RSPCA warns that even with windows open or parked in shade, car interiors can reach 47°C within an hour when the outside temperature is just 22°C. Leaving dogs in hot cars can be fatal. Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log 455 of June 24.
