An arson attack on a stolen car caused a brush fire that destroyed a hectare of wild vegetation near the old Paphos-Limassol road in the early hours of Sunday, police said.

The blaze was reported around 3.30am near the village of Ayia Varvara and was extinguished by the fire brigade.

The vehicle was completely destroyed.

Subsequent investigations by the police revealed that the Honda Civic had been reported stolen by its owner, a resident of Paphos on July 28.

Investigations at the scene began at first light.