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

An elderly British couple has died in a house fire in a Spanish seaside resort near Benidorm.

Firefighters and other emergency services rushed to the scene after being alerted by a neighbor of the property in the seaside resort of Denia on the Costa Blanca.

But there was nothing they could do to save the couple'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 Great Britain.

The Spanish National Police is leading an ongoing investigation into the fire.

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

Local reports indicate that this may have been caused by a cigarette butt that was not put out properly.

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

The neighbor who raised the alarm reportedly told emergency services that she saw no flames but was concerned because the inside of the windows had turned black.

The property where the couple's bodies were found is located on a residential area known locally as Urbanizacion Betlems, near the monumental Montgo mountain.

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

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.