TEENAGER Natalie Franklin pleaded guilty to arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, when she appeared at Swindon crown court.

The 18-year-old admitted starting the blaze on a carpet at a house on the Market Place, Melksham, in October last year.

She also pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a pillow belonging to the Wiltshire Constabulary on the same day.

Franklin, of Winston Road, admitted being reckless as to whether the lives of Christopher Stevens, Andrew Martin and La Bouch Ardiere were endangered by the blaze on October 25.

The teenager was released on bail to May 30 for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.