A teenager who started a fire in a house by setting light to some carpet is to be assessed by a psychiatrist for treatment in a secure unit.

Natalie Franklin, 18, admitted arson at a house in The Market Place, Melksham last October.

She also admitted a charge of criminal damage to a pillow belonging to Wiltshire police on the same day.

At Swindon crown court Sue Evans, defending, said Franklin should be treated in a secure unit. If a psychiatrist considered her suitable for a bed they would then seek local authority funding so Franklin could be treated.

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

Releasing the teenager on bail Judge Mark Dyer said: "The case will be adjourned for two months for assessment. In my view she is the ideal candidate for proper treatment. If it needs funding I do hope the local authority look favourably on that."