A gunman is on the loose in California after he started firing at cars on the freeway in an apparent random attack.

Two people travelling in separate vehicles were injured on the 210 freeway in Rialto, east of Los Angeles, at around 8pm on Tuesday.

One of the victims was saved from more serious injuries when a bullet struck the cell phone which was in his pocket.

Windows shattered in a car involved in the shootings on the 210 freeway in Rialto, California

The shootings occurred on the eastbound lanes and the freeway was temporarily shut down by the California Highway Patrol, according to CBS.

The passenger who was hit in the leg was sat in the rear of the car when a bullet pierced door while a driver of an SUV was hit in the arm by a bullet that had smashed through a window.

Both victims were taken to hospital and said the shooter was in a late model Chevy Sedan.

Palm Springs Police took to Twitter to warn the public of the gunman, writing: 'Not sure what they have going near 210 freeway, but be careful.

'Possibly two different people shot on the freeway in Rialto. Shooter at large.'

Cops are unsure of the motive, but have ruled out road rage or it being a sniper-style shooting spree.

The shattered windows of a car in which the driver suffered an injury to their arm on Tuesday

The first shooting happened on the westbound side of the freeway between the Sierra and Adler Avenue exits.

The second shooting was on the eastbound side near the Cactus Avenue and Ayala Drive turn-offs.

Both victims described a similar-looking man, according to ABC.

The first victim, who was shot in the leg, said he was a man in his 30s with long brown or blonde hair and a mustache or goatee while the second victim said he was between 40 and 50 years old with long dark hair and a goatee.

Although it is a possibility it was two separate incidents, Rialto police believe they are hunting one suspect.