British expat feared dead as wildfires devastate Bédar village in Spain
Spanish wildfires have claimed nearly a dozen lives
A British expat, who appeared on Channel 4's A Place in the Sun, is feared to be one of the victims of the devastating wildfires that swept through the village of Bédar in southern Spain.
Malcolm Timbrell, 70, and his wife, Annette Kilgore, 69, who were from Somerset but relocated from Cornwall to the Almeria province, became separated as the fire approached their property last Thursday, 9th July.
Local police have confirmed that wildfires in the region have resulted in 13 deaths, raising concerns for the couple who had settled in Bédar after buying their home through the TV programme in 2023.
A Place in the Sun presenter Leah Charles-King had assisted the couple in finding their ideal Spanish residence just three years prior.
During the episode, Annette expressed her desire to embrace the Spanish way of life following her retirement from the mental health and care sector.
Jasmine Harman said: "Some awful news.
"You may have seen on the news that Spain has been experiencing some terrible wildfires, and I was so sad to hear of the tragic deaths of several people in Bédar.
"Sending deepest condolences to those have lost lived ones. Especially to Malcom who previously appeared with his wife Annette on A Place in the Sun.
"I don’t really have the words to say how very sorry I am for your loss Malcom.
"I know we have never met, I can’t imagine what you are going through right now.
"Sending thoughts and prayers."
A spokeswoman for the Guardia Civil in Almeria told the Press Association that seven British nationals, three Belgians and one from the US, France and Spain all have sadly lost their lives.
The Andalusian government said a 93-year-old British woman was taken to hospital on Friday after suffering burns to about 20% of her body and her death was confirmed on Sunday afternoon.
Another four British victims were found after their bodies were found in a burnt-out car.
On Sunday, it was reported that two British hikers had been found alive but badly burned.
The man and woman are thought to have suffered 40% burns, according to the Spanish national broadcaster, RTVE.
The Civil Guard officers said they found the two British people alive just as night was falling, with Sergeant Pedro Barre telling the local broadcaster RTVE: “That experience we accumulate over the years is what tells you: take another look, give it one last try, check again just in case.”
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the devastating wildfires in Spain. We are supporting British nationals affected and their families and remain in close contact with the Spanish authorities.”