A MAN has pleaded guilty to starting a fire in a block of flats in Redditch that put the lives of residents at risk.

Michael Knight, aged 25, admitted a charge of arson being reckless over endangering life and property when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court.

He admitted starting the fire in a council flat in Winslow Close, Redditch, at about 7pm on Saturday, October 11 last year.

Firefighters managed to contain the blaze to the middle of the block of flats but between 50 and 60 residents were evacuated. Several people were treated by paramedics at the scene and one was taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Knight was remanded in custody after his arrest.

Charles Hamer, defending, told the court that a psychiatric report was being prepared and a pre-sentence report was ordered. Knight is due to return to court for sentencing on Friday, March 6.