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An unoccupied penthouse under construction above ABC Stationers at the Sliema Ferries caught fire at around 11.30 a.m. this morning, the police said.

They said that a large cloud of smoke was seen coming out of the apartment by policemen who were in the area. The police also received calls for assistance.

The penthouse was on the eighth floor of a block of apartments. Initial investigations show that the fire started during works on the membrane.

People living in nearby apartments were evacuated and the fire was controlled by Civil Protection Department personnel.

Although no one was injured, two workers at the flat and two policemen had to be treated for smoke inhalation. No hospitalisation was necessary.