Newlyweds die in helicopter crash

A British couple have been killed in a helicopter crash as they flew between their wedding ceremony and reception in southern Spain.

The unnamed pair died when the aircraft came down in the mountainous region of Istan. The cause is not yet known.

A third person, believed to be the pilot, was also killed, Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported.

Wedding guests waiting in Mijas on the Costa del Sol for the couple to return were told of their deaths.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We can confirm the death of two British nationals in Spain. British officials are in touch with next of kin."

Guests 'incredulous'

The couple had hired the private helicopter to go sightseeing after marrying in the village of Nerja on Monday morning.

They were due to arrive at the El Oceano hotel in Mijas, near Malaga, at 1430 GMT - where around 20 guests were waiting.

Jose Carmona, reception manager at the Mijas hotel, said police arrived at 1600 GMT and told them what had happened.

Mr Carmona commented: "It's incredible - a day that should be a day of joy and happiness for everybody has turned into a tragedy."

El Mundo's website said the guests received the news with "great sorrow and incredulity".

The website confirmed the bodies of the three victims were removed from the crash scene on Tuesday morning.

The co-pilot is believed to have survived the accident and is being treated in hospital.