Police have arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with a suspected arson attack at the abandoned former Corner pub building in Nicosia.

The fire broke out at around 4.30pm on Wednesday, prompting a response from both police and the fire service, who brought the blaze under control.

Subsequent examinations at the scene concluded that the fire had been started deliberately, police said.

As part of the investigation, officers secured evidence against the teenager, who was arrested on Thursday under a court warrant and remains in custody to facilitate inquiries.

The Nicosia criminal investigation department (CID) is continuing its investigation.