Two killed in Spain forest blaze

Forest fires have claimed at least eight lives this summer in Spain

Two men have died in a huge forest fire which officials suspect was started deliberately in central Spain's Castilla y Leon region.

One of the victims, a bulldozer driver sent to put out the fire, was killed when he lost control of his machine.

A 63-year-old retired teacher, Javier Heras, also died when he became trapped in his home by flames.

It is estimated forest fires across Spain have claimed at least eight lives this summer, amid soaring temperatures.

The blaze in a mountainous region near the town of Avila devoured over 300 hectares (740 acres) of woodland in just five hours.

It broke out at around 1100 GMT on Tuesday, spreading to some 150 km (90 miles) west of Madrid, and was still out of control on Wednesday.

A woman feared earlier to have perished in the fire has been found.

Towns and a monastery in the area have been evacuated and residents moved to local schools and sports centres.

The smoke was reported to be visible as far away as parts of Madrid.