A FIRE-EATER has set fire to a big top circus tent with 113 children inside, leaving multiple people injured.

The tent caught on fire during a dress rehearsal in Aldenhoven, Germany.

17 children and three adults, including the fire-eater, are thought to have been injured in the inferno, according to local authorities.

This includes two eight-year-olds, who were hospitalised after inhaling smoke.

More than 100 children were inside the tent for a dress rehearsal ahead of their weekend performance when the blaze started.

Spectators were also inside the tent when it caught alight, as teachers and parents had gathered to watch the rehearsal.

During the run-through the fire-eater reportedly set the tent wall on fire in a “careless” act, according to a police spokesman.

The terrified children and crowd were rushed out of the tent shortly after the fire broke out.

The fire was extinguished before the emergency services arrived.

The Mayor Ralf Claßen said: “Despite all the horror, I’m very happy about the incident because we were all very lucky.

“I don’t even want to imagine what could have happened.”

The children were reportedly very disappointed that their shows would have to be cancelled.

But after repairs and inspections the tent was deemed to be safe by a fire-restoration expert – and the performances are back on.

The local authorities said this was welcome news to the children who have worked hard in preparation for the performance.

They said: “This good news immediately sparked great cheers in the circus tent.”

The children will have another dress rehearsal on Friday morning – but this time there will be no fire-eater.