A fire erupted on St Paul’s Street in Valletta last night after one car was set ablaze, leaving one family trapped in their residence and four other vehicles with extensive damage.

Police officers were called to the scene at around midnight, with reports that flames had engulfed a Smart car along the road.

One family was trapped inside the residence right in front of the car, leaving members to scramble to the roof amid the growing smoke. Civil protection officers and the rapid intervention unit were called in to help, eventually helping the family escape the building.

Four other cars right next to the burning vehicle were also damaged to different degrees.

An ambulance was also on the scene to deal with some medical concerns, especially after some individuals inhaled a significant amount of smoke.

It is as yet unknown whether the incident was an accident or an arson attack, with investigations currently on-going.

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