Two cars have been firebombed in Barlinnie Prison car park. 

Police have launched an investigation in a bid to trace those responsible after the shocking incident last night.

Emergency services raced to the prison shortly before 6pm last night after the alarm was raised.

It is understood that inmates' visitors had to be evacuated and all further visits cancelled amid the drama.

Officers say they were treating the incident as wilful fire-raising.

Footage seen by the Glasgow Times shows fires billowing out of the two vehicles just a short distance from the prison's main entrance.

READ MORE: 'Terrorised by ten-year-olds' The Glasgow neighbourhood living in fear as gang run riot

At several points in the clip loud bangs can be heard from the cars - a red Volvo and white Audi - as smoke billows out into the surrounding areas.

Cheers and shouts of "on yourself" and "f*** the system" can be heard as cons inside become aware of what is going on. 

Another inmate chanted "the cars, the cars, the cars are on fire". 

Moments later fire crews can be seen arriving on the scene, immediately extinguishing the flames.

A source told The Glasgow Times: "Vehicles on fire in the staff car park at Barlinne prison.

"Prisoners family and friends have been evacuated from the reception area and all visits to prisoners cancelled."

The cars were later seen being removed on the back of a recovery lorry just hours later.

READ MORE: Dad attacked and daughter left seriously injured after rammy outside pub

A Police Scotland spokeswoman confirmed: "At about 5.55pm on Wednesday, January 22, emergency services were informed of vehicles on fire within the car park of Barlinne Prison on Lee Avenue, Glasgow.

"On arrival, two cars were found to be on fire and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) extinguished the fires.

"No-one was injured as a result of the fire and the incident is now being treated as wilful.

"Enquiries are continuing. "

The SFRS confirmed they sent two appliances to Lee Avenue at 5.54 pm but have since left the scene.