Toddler suffers serious burns in boat explosion

An 18-month-old child suffered potentially life-changing burns when a boat exploded, police have said.

Wiltshire Police received a report of a boat fire on the River Thames in Lechlade at about 12:00 BST on Saturday.

The boat was away from the bank, meaning the five adults and four children on board ended up in the water. All nine, including the children who are aged between one and seven, were taken to hospital.

Police said three of those hurt remain in hospital in a "stable" condition, but added two of them - including the 18-month-old - are being treated for "potentially life-changing burns".

Det Supt Joe Garrity said it was a "miracle" no-one died.

"Much of that must be put down to the response of two holidaymakers from Wales who happened to be passing," he added.

"With no thought for their own safety, they jumped into the Thames to help save the lives of those involved, some of whom couldn't swim.

"It was heroic bravery."

Police said enquiries into the cause of the explosion were ongoing.

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