British couple shot dead in Alicante: Peter and Jean Tarsey were found on the sofa in their home

An elderly British husband and wife have been found dead with gunshot wounds in the holiday town of Alicante, in Spain.

The couple - named as Peter and Jean Tarsey - were found in their villa in the sun-kissed coastal retreat popular with holidaymakers.

Both aged 77, their bodies were found together on a sofa by friends who went looking for them after not seeing the pair for several days.

According to a Sky News report, the couple were found "locked in each other's arms".

Local police said the Tarseys were expatriates who had lived in Spain for 18 years.

A police investigation has been launched by the Guardia Civil into the deaths, which were confirmed by the British Foreign Office.

There was no sign of a break-in and the front door was open. Spent bullet cartridges were discovered on the floor, according to unconfirmed reports.

A police spokeswoman said: "The Guardia Civil is now awaiting the results of post-mortem examinations and investigations continue."