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.
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.
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Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire, but it is believed to have started accidentally.
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.
It was not immediately clear this afternoon if they lived permanently in the house, or used it as a holiday home.
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