Simpson had denied arson with intent to endanger life and arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

His force said it had arrested a 33-year-old man suspected of arson with intent to endanger life over the fire which destroyed a Croydon furniture store.

Harte, of Walworth, London, denied arson with intent to endanger life but admitted reckless arson.

The boy was also charged with arson with intent to endanger life in connection with an incident at Chesterfield library on Monday.

Scotland Yard detained a 15-year-old boy and a 25-year-old last night on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following the large fire that destroyed The House of Reeves furniture store.