London tourists jump into Thames as Duck Tours boat catches fire

The amphibious craft caught fire near to the Houses of Parliament in central London. Picture: Nick Butcher/Twitter

TOURISTS hoping to see the sights of London were forced to jump into the icy waters of the River Thames after their tour boat burst into flames.

Around 30 passengers were rescued from the Duck Tours amphibious craft after the fire broke out shortly before midday.

Dramatic pictures taken at the scene showed tourists clinging to the side of the vessel which got into to difficulty opposite the Houses of Parliament.

According to The Sun seven people were treated for smoke inhalation including a woman and young child and two were hospitalised with minor injuries.

London Fire Brigade said the boat was 33 per cent damaged by the blaze near Lambeth Bridge.

“Approximately 30 people were rescued by passing tourist boats,” a fire brigade spokesman said. “All persons were accounted for.”

The fire brigade also tweeted: "Fortunately there don't seem to be any serious injuries but clearly people are cold, wet and in shock."

The cause of the fire is being investigated. The Sun reported that two Duck Tour boats sank in Liverpool earlier this year.