Man Admits Torching Historic UK Store During Riots

LONDON (AP) — A man has admitted setting fire to a historic London store during the riots that spread across Britain in the summer.

Gordon Thompson pleaded guilty to arson Friday at central London's main criminal court.

The 33-year-old admits starting a fire at the House of Reeves department store in Croydon in south London last August. He also admits stealing a laptop from the shop the same night.

The image of the 144-year-old family owned store ablaze while rioters looted became one of the iconic images of the riots. The Reeves family, who have owned the store for five generations, have said they plan to rebuild.

Thompson will be sentenced on April 11.