A British couple, both aged 77, have been found dead with gunshot wounds at their villa in Xalo, near Benidorm in the province of Alicante.

Peter and Jean Tarsey, who had been living in Spain for over 18 years, were found on a sofa by friends who were worried as they hadn’t heard from them for some days.

The Guardia Civil have started an investigation and the British Foreign Office says it will provide “consular assistance” where required.

There were no signs of a break-in, however, the friends who found the couple said that the door was open on their arrival Sunday afternoon.

The Guardia are now awaiting post-mortem results and continuing with their enquiries.

(news, Spain)