Police said Friday they launched an investigation into a fire that destroyed two unoccupied shops in Larnaca in the early morning hours.

The fire broke out at around 2.20am at the shops on Eski Tsiarsi Street opposite Al Kepir mosque, near the medieval castle.

Two fire engines arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire in 30 minutes.

The fire service said the flames destroyed everything that was inside and damaged the structure.

According to the fire service, the fire appeared to have started in one of the shops, which was being used for storage.

The scene was condoned off as police and fire service investigators tried to determine the cause of the blaze.