A MAN has admitted starting a fire that almost killed a number of pensioners as they slept.

Timothy Bixley, 39, of no fixed abode, faced eight charges – seven of arson and one of damaging property with the intent to endanger life.

Bixley had originally denied the charges but changed his pleas minutes before his trial was due to start at Croydon Crown Court on Monday.

He admitted starting the fire on August 16 at Guinness Court, Chepstow Road, Addiscombe, which made a number of people homeless.

Bixley is due to be sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on April 4.