Woman dies after being caught in Spanish wildfire

A woman has died and her partner remains in a critical condition after the couple were caught in a wildfire while on holiday in Spain.

Lisa Fryett and Simon Batchelor from Canvey Island, Essex, were staying near Bédar, Los Gallardos, Spain, when they were rescued from a mountainside during a wildfire and taken to hospital, their family said.

Fryett died on 28 July, said a spokesperson for the family, who added: "Our hearts are completely broken, and there are simply no words to describe the pain we are feeling."

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities."

The family spokesperson added on a fundraising page: "Lisa fought so incredibly hard, and we are so grateful that her loved ones were able to be by her side, surrounding her with love until the very end.

"The love, kindness and generosity we have received have brought us comfort during the most devastating time of our lives."

Rebecca Harris, Conservative MP for Castle Point in Essex, told the BBC: "I know that the whole Castle Point community has been following their story with enormous concerns and they've shown great kindness and generosity.

"Lisa's death is just devastating and I know the thoughts of everyone, the whole community, will be with her loved ones right now during this unimaginably difficult time for them all."

At least 13 people, including five believed by Spanish authorities to be Britons, were killed by the wildfire in Spain's Almeria province on 9 July, one of the country's deadliest.

The fire, which has now been contained, burned through about 7,000 hectares (17,300 acres) of land, authorities said.

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