Police on Wednesday are investigating an explosion in a car owned by a 27-year-old man in the early morning hours in the small Paphos village of Argaka.

According to the police, the explosion inside the parked vehicle occurred at 3.30am outside a house causing complete destruction of the vehicle, as well as damages to the entrance of the residence.

Community leader, Spiros Pelopida, told Cyprus Mail that this was the first time such an incident had occurred in the otherwise sleepy and somewhat remote village.

“It’s very sad and unfortunately it has to do with the general deterioration of social norms and values,” the mayor said.

Other residents expressed shock at the incident and concern since it occurred not far from the small village school.

Police have cordoned off the scene and collected evidence, as an investigation has been launched.