Police search for two masked gunmen after arson attack on nine cars at Birmingham prison

Police are searching for two masked gunmen who set fire to a car on the staff car park of Birmingham prison today.

The pair cut a hole in the fence just before 1.30pm to gain access, then threw liquid over a number of vehicles. They set light to them and the blaze immediately spread to other cars parked nearby.

Nine cars were damaged.

It is understood that two prison officers had walked onto the car park and saw the men spraying liquid on the cars.

One of the men then pulled a gun out and threatened the wardens to stay back.

At that point it is understood the men lit the liquid and the cars burst into flames. The men are then believed to have fled the scene, escaping over the fence.

A cordon has been placed around a row of cars parked off the pavement at the back of the car park.

Police say they don't yet know the motive.