Horrified firefighters have told of the nightmare moment they found the bodies of a mum and her two children huddled under a bed following a blaze.

The three – and the family dog – were found hugging each other at the family home in Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina, on 20th July.

Officials believe they all died from smoke inhalation.

Mum Monica Gallardo, 35, had been at home with her three children and pet dog while her husband was at work.

The oldest son – Kevin, 9 – was saved when neighbours came to his assistance when they saw the house was ablaze.

But brothers Alan, 5, and two-year-old Benjamin were trapped in the burning house with their mother.

After the blaze was out, firefighters searched the property and were horrified to find the bodies.

Realising they could not escape, the three had apparently sheltered under the bed to avoid the flames.

One of the firemen – whose name was not reported – told local media: “She hugged the little ones under a bed and that heartbreaking scene was what the firefighters found upon entering after putting out the fire.

“The family pet, a poodle, was in their midst.”

At the time of reporting, the causes of death were still being determined, but the hypothesis is that the victims suffocated after inhaling smoke.

The cause of the fire is similarly under investigation.

Monica’s husband – not named in reports – and Kevin have reportedly received counselling.