Update 2 - Adds video, details - A fierce fire caused extensive damage to a panel beater's workshop and destroyed five cars in Albertown, Marsa, this morning.

The blaze, in Triq ix-Xwieni, was reported at about 8.30 a.m.

People on the scene reported hearing a number of small explosions from the cars inside the property. 

No one was injured.

The police said that according to preliminary investigations, the owner, a 37-year-old mechanic and panel beaterfrom San Ġwann, had been welding before walking to another garage across the street to talk to a colleague.

Attempts to control the flames using a fire extinguisher were futile.

The fire was put out by the fire brigade of the Civil Protection Department.