Man released on bail after arrest over Milton Keynes LGBTQ+ club Pink Punters fire
A man has been bailed after he was arrested in connection with a fire at a Milton Keynes nightclub (Image: stock image via Getty Images)
A 51-year-old man arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a fire destroyed Milton Keynes LGBTQ+ nightclub Pink Punters has been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.
Emergency services arrived at the venue around 2am following reports of a fire, with customers and nearby residents evacuated. No injuries were reported.
After the fire was put out, chief superintendent Emma Baillie said: “This was a significant fire in which a large number of people had to be evacuated.” 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.”
Pink Punters owner Frank McMahon said the impact on the venue was devastating, but that everyone got out safely. “Whilst I am devastated to say that the building itself has been completely destroyed, I am deeply relieved, grateful and proud to confirm that no staff or customers were harmed, and everybody went home safely,” he said.
McMahon said the nightclub intends to reopen.
Pink Punters is widely known as a long-running LGBTQ+ nightlife venue serving Milton Keynes and surrounding areas, and has operated for more than 20 years.
The Fire Brigades Union’s LGBTQ+ network shared a message of support in an Instagram post: “Standing in solidarity with the Milton Keynes LGBT+ community after the fire at Pink Punters. A venue lost, but a community that remains strong, connected and proud. We stand with you.”
Police investigation continues
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said, as per BBC News: “At the moment we are keeping an open mind and investigating the incidents in conjunction with each other due to proximity in location and time.”
Police are investigating the fire at Pink Punters alongside another fire at a nearby church due to the proximity in location and time.
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said it sent up to 12 fire engines at the height of the blaze.
