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A man started a fire at his friend's flat that killed a cat and caused more than £26,000 worth of property damage, police said.

Fire investigators found the blaze in Alison Close, Chaddesden, Derby, was started deliberately when an object was thrown through a window on 4 August.

The occupant was out at the time of the incident but their pet was killed.

Blake Parry, 21, pleaded guilty to arson at Derby Crown Court and will be sentenced on 10 May.

Derbyshire Police said Parry, of Ripon Crescent, Derby, had messaged the victim to tell them about the fire but investigations established it was Parry who started the fire after arguing with them earlier that day.

Det Johanna Rosser, who led the investigation, said: "Parry's recklessness on this evening caused both a substantial amount of damage and the tragic death of a beloved pet.

"He had little regard for who was in the flat, or any neighbouring properties.

"He tried to cover his tracks by alerting the victim but significant damage had already been done."

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