30 rescued as tourist boat catches fire

Flames ripped through the London Duck Tours vessel on a stretch of the River Thames close to Lambeth Bridge.

Many of those on board leapt into the water as flames took hold and thick black smoke billowed from the burning boat.

Passengers were later hauled to safety by rescue workers and crews on passing tour barges.

A woman and a child were taken to hospital with suspected smoke inhalation while other tourists were treated at the riverside.

A police source said the nature of the injuries “could have been a lot worse”.

Some 28 tourists and two members of crew were on the stricken tour aboard the yellow boat.

London Fire Brigade has launched an investigation into how the fire started.