Two British hikers found alive but badly burned following Spanish wildfires

Two British hikers have been found alive but badly burned following deadly wildfires that have hit southern Spain.

The man and woman, who have not been identified, are thought to have suffered 40% burns, according to Spanish national broadcaster, RTVE.

The pair were discovered by a team of Civil Guards, who said they had already checked the area, but had a feeling that they should go back.

At least 12 people are believed to have died in the fire near the village of Bedar, in Almeria province.

At least four are thought to be British, after four bodies were found in a burnt-out car with its steering wheel on the right.

In an interview with RTVE, the Civil Guard officers said they found the two British people alive just as night was falling.

Sergeant Pedro Barre told the broadcaster: “That experience we accumulate over the years is what tells you: take another look, give it one last try, check again just in case.”

He said they called out and used whistles, before eventually hearing a sound which they thought at first could have been an echo.

Another of the rescuers, Rafael Zea, said that given the couple’s injuries it must have taken a “Titanic effort” for them to raise their voices to be heard.

With the help of firefighters and emergency services, they were rescued after more than two hours.

The pair are now said to be in a serious condition in hospital, although their lives are not believed to be in danger.

Spanish authorities believe all the victims were foreign tourists, who are thought to have attempted to escape on foot after apparently abandoning their vehicles and trying to flee through rugged terrain.

Antonio Sanz, head of Andalusia’s emergency services, previously said that authorities had completed post-mortem examinations and DNA samples were collected to identify them.

Authorities proactively evacuated 1,448 people from some 11 areas.

Spain has suffered frequent and severe heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures often exceeding 40C.

In June, Spain experienced several days of record-setting heat, with more than 1,000 excess deaths attributed to heat.

Armagh astronomer secures grant to investigate how first stars lit up universe

England fans ‘optimistic’ but expecting a ‘tough’ quarter-final against Norway

Twelfth celebrations begin with lighting of bonfires

Man arrested over murder of 24-year-old woman in double stabbing

UK wildfire map: Areas most at risk as heatwave sparks ‘exceptional’ threat

‘Perfectly reasonable’ for Burnham to plot Downing Street pathway, Reeves says