British couple aged 84 and 78 are killed in house fire near Benidorm

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An elderly British couple have been killed in a house fire at a Spanish resort near Benidorm.  

Firefighters and other emergency responders raced to the scene after being alerted by a neighbour at the property in the Costa Blanca resort of Denia. 

But there was nothing they could do to save the pair’s lives and they 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 leading an ongoing investigation into the blaze.

Although officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire, it is believed to have started accidentally.

Local reports are pointing to it possibly starting because of a cigarette butt which wasn’t put out properly.

The alarm was raised shortly before 11am this morning, but well-placed sources said they found the inside of the property already gutted and believe the fire could have occurred several days ago.

The neighbour who raised the alarm is understood to have told the emergency services she saw no flames but was concerned because 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.

It was not immediately clear this afternoon if they lived permanently in the house, or used it as a holiday home.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.