A British couple have been found dead in Spain.

The Foreign Office said the couple were discovered in the town of Alicante on the south eastern coast, a popular destination for tourists and expats.

A spokesman said: "We can confirm the death of two British nationals in Alicante, Spain. We stand ready to provide consular assistance."

The Guardia Civil, Spain's national police force, confirmed the couple were 77-year-old expats Peter and Jean Tarsey.

A Guardia Civil spokeswoman said: "At around 4.15pm yesterday, some friends of the couple went to their villa because they had not been seen for a few days.

"They found the door was open and there were no signs of a break-in.

"The couple, who had been living in Spain for 18 years, were found dead with gunshot wounds on the sofa.

"The Guardia Civil is now awaiting the results of post-mortem examinations and investigations continue."