A 51-year-old man has been arrested following a major fire that broke out at an LGBT+ nightclub in Buckinghamshire on Sunday morning. Authorities were called to Pink Punters nightclub in Milton Keynes at approximately 2 a.m. after footage showed flames on the building’s top floor and above the roof.
Twelve fire crews rushed to the scene to combat the blaze, which was captured in drone footage showing thick plumes of smoke rising as the fire ravaged the structure. Police stated it is too early to determine the cause of the fire but confirmed that partygoers and nearby residents on Watling Street were safely evacuated, with no injuries reported.
The suspect, a 51-year-old man from Milton Keynes, was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remains in police custody. Officers from Thames Valley Police and Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service remained at the scene on Sunday afternoon, with road closures still in place.
Investigation Ongoing
At the height of the incident, 12 fire crews were deployed to the nightclub, which has been operating for over two decades and features dancefloors and an outdoor bar. Milton Keynes Commander Chief Superintendent Emma Baillie commented: 'This was a significant fire in which a large number of people had to be evacuated. Thankfully no one was injured, and staff at the venue worked quickly and effectively to safely evacuate everyone.'
She added: 'At this time it would be too early to comment on any particular motivation for this incident, and we would respectfully ask for people not to speculate.' The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire.
