Parts of Valletta were shrouded in smoke this morning after a car caught fire in St John Street, corner with Republic Street.

Pictures taken this morning show the area close to the law courts covered in smoke, with people shielding their faces.

A police spokesperson said the car, a Fiat Tempra, caught fire as it was being driven by a 46-year-old man from Zurrieq. At the time he was going round with some deliveries. 

Bystanders unsuccessfully tried to use a fire extinguisher on the car but the flames kept on raging. It was eventually put out by firefighters and police officers from the Valletta station. 

The police said no one was hurt in the accident.