A group of men set fire to a number of vehicles parked at a prison in West Lothian.

Prison staff raised the alarm at around 7.45pm on Friday when the group entered the car park of HMP Addiewell in a blue Range Rover Evoke.

Three of the men then got out the vehicles wearing balaclavas and proceeded to "damage or set alight" five parked cars before returning to their vehicle and making their escape.

Police have confirmed that four of the vehicles that were targeted belonged to prison staff.

Later on the same day, at around 8.15pm, two men were seen setting fire to the Range Rover in Harvester Way, Edinburgh, before fleeing the scene in a silver vehicle.

A joint investigation between CID officers in Edinburgh and West Lothian has now been launched to trace the suspects.

Officers have established the blue Ranger Rover was stolen from a property on Queen Margaret Close in Edinburgh sometime between August 7 and 8 while the occupants were on holiday.

During this incident, thieves made off with a silver Audi A3 with the registration SL16 SUX, while a number of household items, including electronic devices, were also taken during the break in.

At around 6.40pm on Monday, August 8, the Audi was spotted in the Granton area of the city and was later recovered in Eildon Street in Warriston.

Police now hope members of the public will come forward to aid their investigation.

Detective inspector Paul Batten of Livingston CID, said: "We are satisfied that this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the general public.

"However, this was a brazen attack that caused several thousand pounds worth of damage as well as significant fear and alarm.

"Today, I'm appealing to anyone who saw the blue Range Rover Evoke at any point between Monday, August 8, and Friday, August 12, to come forward immediately.

"Likewise, anyone who has information relating to the housebreaking in Queen Margaret Close between August 7 and 8 is asked to come forward.

"In particular, I would be interested to hear from anyone who remembers any suspicious activity in the area of Queen Margaret Close around the time of this crime."

Those with relevant information are asked to contact police in 101 or alternatively a report can be made anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.