Police officers on patrol put out a fire, suspected to be arson, in Triq it-Tliet Knejjes, Balzan early yesterday morning.

The policemen, from the Birkirkara District, were driving through Triq Il-Mitħna, which is adjacent to Triq it-Tliet Knejjes, at about 2.50 a.m. when they noticed flames in front of a shop which sells household goods.

The fire, caused by a tyre stuffed with hay and then set alight, was quickly extinguished by the policemen, who always carry fire extinguishers in their cars.

The fire did not have much time to spread, causing little damage to the shutter's surface, which prevented further damage.

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

The police are trying to establish a motive.

kbugeja@timesofmalta.com