Two young prisoners at HMP Rochester Prison have been caught on camera having a bare-knuckle fight to win tobacco.

The inmates have been filmed on a banned mobile phone throwing punches in a cell at the young offenders institution drawing similarities to scenes in The Fight Club movie starring Brad Pitt.

The sickening footage, obtained by The Sun, shows another convict acting as referee as the men throw punches and try to wrestle each other to the ground.

The clip begins with the referee asking: “You videoing now?” before an onlooker shouts: “Let’s go. Ding ding ding. Round One”.

At the end, one of them believed to be called “Kel,” is declared the winner and receives a pouch of tobacco as his prize.

Video: Footage obtained by The Sun shows the bare knuckle fight

The incident was exposed after the footage was shared on WhatsApp to fellow prisoners and friends outside the institution.

The Ministry of Justice has launched an investigation.

"This is totally unacceptable behaviour. The prison is taking disciplinary action against all of the prisoners in this video" - Andrew Selous

A spokesman said all three inmates had been segregated and face disciplinary action.

Prisons Minister Andrew Selous, said:“This is totally unacceptable behaviour. The prison is taking disciplinary action against all of the prisoners in this video and has launched an urgent investigation into this incident.

“We have a zero tolerance approach to violence and the possession of mobile phones in prison and will take strong action against those who break these rules.”

The prison in Fort Road accommodates inmates aged between 18 and 21.