The occupants of a boat were injured yesterday after the vessel caught fire while it was on the River Thames in Teddington.

At 3.42pm there was a small explosion within the cabin area of the 22 ft motor vessel, which was moored at bankside in Trowlock Island, following the build up of fuel vapour.

About 15 per cent of the boat was damaged in the fire, which was extinguished by its occupants before the London Fire Brigade arrived on the scene.

The man and woman both suffered burns to their hands, arms and faces in the blaze. They were taken to hospital by ambulance where their injuries were treated.