55 year old Briton dies on the beach

A 55 year old Briton has died while swimming on the Centro de Guardamar beach in Segura, Alicante, according to Europa Press who were informed by the local health service and the Guardia Civil. It happened at around 13.45 on Sunday when the man, according to first indications, had a heart attack in the water. He had gone to the beach with his wife, and he had a history of heart problems. The SAMU Urgent Medical Service (SAMU) could do nothing to save the man when they arrived at the scene.

Police have several leads in the investigation of the large forest fire that started a week ago.

Suspicions that it was started malicously has possibly strengthened. Sources claim that the fire spread quickly because there was more than one fire. Witnesses stated inter alia, have seen an unidentified jeep coming from a farm between Ojén and Marbella exactly where the fire then got an awesome course. In Marbella, it was announced yesterday that it is now able to restore electricity, water and telephone networks in all affected areas. It is now under the companies just the kind of disruption that is "normal". In areas Elviria Ricmar has repaired water pipes, power lines and 3000 meters telephone and fiber optic cable. It has also been launched several campaigns to restore nature and conduct tree plantings. Biologists say that tree planting may be necessary until next year. The hotel chain Fuerte Hoteles has among other things promised to donate a tree for every hotel guest you have in Marbella. The hotels have also started a fundraiser where guests can help by buying a tree, which will then be planted in the affected area.

Marbella Forest Fire

Hundreds of firefighters, backed up by emergency military personnel and 31 planes and helicopters, continue to battle a huge blaze near Marbella

Hundreds of firefighters, backed up by emergency military personnel and 31 planes and helicopters, continue to battle a huge blaze near Marbella, famous for its up-market hotels and villas and a favourite haunt of wealthy foreigners. Spanish media reported that the fires had been brought under control, but fire service officials told the BBC that some pockets were still causing problems. The body of an elderly man was found at Las Blanquillas near Ojen on Friday. Rescue workers were said to be searching for his wife. A couple in their late fifties were taken to hospital with 60% burns. People were evacuated from near Marbella, Ojen and a camp site at Alpujata. The Costa del Sol is one of Spain's most popular holiday destinations and home to a large British expatriate community. The British embassy said it was working closely with the Spanish authorities and consular staff were deployed to assist those affected. "I woke up to the smell of smoke... we started running" The fire started on Thursday afternoon in the Sierra Negra area of Coin, near Malaga and has now affected an area of some 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres). Part of the AP-7 highway was cut temporarily, but other roads are unaffected. Much of Spain's countryside was left tinder-dry this summer by a prolonged heatwave. There have been major wildfires in northern Catalonia - near the Pyrenees - and on La Gomera, in the Canary Islands.

British father and son drown off the coast of Majorca

British man and his young son have drowned off the coast of Majorca, the Foreign Office has confirmed. George Selby and his son Louis died at Cala Antena, a small bay near the resort of Calas de Mallorca, in the south-east of the Spanish island. Mr Selby's mother, Christine, said it was a "devastating loss". The young boy is understood to have been hit by a wave and swept off the rocks into the sea. His father jumped in to try to save him but both drowned. Other relatives who were nearby raised the alarm. Mrs Selby issued a statement through the Foreign Office saying: "My son George Selby died trying to save his son Louis Selby. "George was passionate about his wife Abigail and their three sons. This tragedy that has befallen this family has devastated the lives of his wife, sons, and mother. George, Louis and their family were - and still are - loved by all that knew them." She asked the media to allow them to grieve for "a truly heroic husband, father, son, brother" and for " Louis, our little bear." A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office said: "We are aware of the tragic deaths of two British nationals in Majorca. "We are providing consular assistance to the family."