Spanish police are investigating the deaths of a London-based couple found beside a hot tub at a luxury villa in Cullera, on Spain’s east coast. Officers have ruled out foul play so far and believe one may have suffered an accident or medical emergency, with the other dying while attempting a rescue; toxicology and technical inquiries are continuing.

Irish quantity surveyor Thomasina McArdle, 51, and her New Zealand-born husband Patrick Tobin, 45, were found by their sons, aged 14 and 16, on Tuesday afternoon. Police noted injuries, blood in cloudy hot-tub water and a strong chemical smell, and are considering possibilities including toxic fumes, an electric shock, or a heart attack during the rescue attempt. Irish and New Zealand authorities are providing consular assistance, while relatives have travelled to Spain to support the children.