A fire was put out by an unsuspecting police patrol who happened to stumble upon the arson early this morning in Triq It-Tliet Knejjes, Balzan.

Sources said the policemen, from the Birkirkara District Police, were driving through Triq Il-Mithna when they noticed flames in front of a shop which sold household goods at about 2.50 a.m.

The fire, which was caused by a tyre stuffed with hay, was quickly put out by the policemen, who always carry a fire extinguisher in their cars.

The Mobile Squad, which arrived shortly after receiving a call for backup, also assisted by ensuring that there was no further threat to neighbours.

The fire only scathed the shutter’s surface, which further prevented any further damage.

A car parked in front of the shop was not damaged.

Sources said this was the second arson on the same shop in a short period of time. In the first one another door was extensively burnt and had to be replaced and the same car suffered a melted headlamp.

The police are trying to establish a motive.