A parked car in Żebbuġ caught fire early this morning, setting the car behind it alight and partially burning the facade of a home. 

The car, which belonged to sports journalist Sandro Micallef, was parked on Triq il-Kbira, close to De Rohan Arch, when it suddenly burst into flames at around 12.30am. The fire then spread to a nearby car and facade, sources said. 

Members of the police's rapid intervention unit were the first on the scene, with firefighters from the civil protection department close behind to put out the flames. It is not yet known what caused the fire. An investigation into possible arson has been launched. 

Watch: Car turns into raging fireball in Tarxien

While the car that first caught fire was burnt to a shell, firefighters managed to put out the flames before extensive damage was done to either the nearby car or house.

This was the second such incident in less than a week. Last Sunday evening, a car parked on a Tarxien street also combusted. Police in that instance had said they were ruling out foul play. 

Flames from the burning car eventually spread to a nearby vehicle. Photo: Steve Zammit Lupi