A BRITISH couple was found dead after a devastating house fire near Spain's Benidorm.
Firefighters and other emergency services raced to the scene after being alerted by a neighbour at the property in the Costa Blanca resort of Denia.
1
A house fire devastated this property near Benidorm, Spain Credit: Solarpix
But rescue efforts were in vain as the couple were pronounced dead at the scene after their bodies were found inside.
The victims have been identified locally as a British couple aged 84 and 78 from the UK.
Spain’s National Police are now leading an investigation into the blaze.
Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire, but it is believed to have started accidentally.
Read more on Spain WIFE KILLER Brit who beat his wife to death snared in Spain after 8 years on the run
RESORT 'RAPE' Man, 22, arrested after Brit tourist raped during family holiday in Spain
Local reports are pointing to it possibly starting with a cigarette butt which wasn’t put out properly.
Although the alarm was only raised shortly before 11am on Friday, well-placed sources said they believe the fire could have occurred several days ago.
The neighbour who raised the alarm is understood to have told emergency services she had seen no flames but was concerned as the inside of the windows were blackened.
The property where the couple’s bodies were found is on a residential estate known locally as Urbanizacion Betlems near the landmark Montgo Mountain.
Most read in The Sun
TRAGIC HERO Brit medic, 26, found dead in bed in Ukraine after 18 months on war front line
bye george Corrie legend QUITS the soap after 13 years - days after two more stars leave
HEARTBREAKING LOSS Team GB footballer Gemma Wiseman found dead days before Christmas
JUST WED BBC Breakfast's Carol Kirkwood 'bursting with happiness' after marrying partner
It was not immediately clear this afternoon if they lived permanently in the house, or used it as a holiday home.
The Sun is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stries, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Download our fantastic, new and improved free App for the best ever Sun Online experience. For iPhone click here, for Android click here.