One person is facing an arson charge after allegedly setting a police car on fire in Papamoa.

Police were alerted to the incident outside Papamoa Police Station at 3.15am.

A police spokesperson says a patrol car had reportedly been set alight.

'A scrub fire was also located in the vicinity.

'In relation to the incident, a 26-year-old man was arrested and is due to appear in Tauranga District Court today on a charge of arson.”