The search for the remains elderly couple feared dead after their cottage in the grounds of Blenheim Palace was destroyed by fire has been called off.

Police said they were satisfied two people were inside the property when it went up in flames last Tuesday night.

Officers and firefighters have completed a search of the property and a file is now being prepared for the coroner.

The force said its thoughts were with the families of the couple.

Following the fire on Tuesday the smouldering remains of the cottage were discovered on Wednesday morning.

Police previously said the blaze at the 17th century cottage was not being treated as suspicious.