A police station near Ugie in Eastern Cape was gutted by a fire thought to have been started by arsonists.

Police said the station was set alight on Monday, but the damage was discovered on Wednesday when the only officer in charge arrived for duty.

Captain Zamukulungisa Jozana said it appeared burglars had broken into the station after realising the building was unmanned.

"They ransacked it, apparently looking for firearms, but after failing to find anything, they set it on fire to erase their fingerprints," he said.

"All six offices have been destroyed along with furniture, police radios and other items belonging to the state."

The station, situated at Mnga Farm, about 40km from Ugie, serves farmers and rural communities. - Mvuyo Mayi