Fire at Milton Keynes LGBTQ+ club Pink Punters was an accident, police say
Milton Keynes LGBTQ+ club Pink Punters (Image: Google Maps)
Police have said the fire that tore through Milton Keynes LGBTQ+ nightclub Pink Punters was accidental, after a man was released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of arson.
Thames Valley Police said a joint investigation with Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service concluded the blaze was not deliberate. Chief Superintendent Emma Baillie said, as per BBC News: “Following a thorough joint investigation with Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, we have found no evidence of any criminality.” She added: “The fire is believed to have been accidental in nature, and thankfully no one was injured.”
The fire broke out at the venue on Watling Street in the early hours of Sunday, 26 April. Emergency services arrived shortly after 2am, with staff, customers and nearby residents safely evacuated. No injuries were reported.
A 51-year-old man from Milton Keynes had been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, but has since been eliminated from enquiries.
Police and fire service findings
Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service said its specialist fire investigation team supported police in the investigation and confirmed the fire was accidental.
Baillie also praised venue staff for their swift response, saying it ensured everyone was able to leave the building safely.
What Pink Punters means to the community
Pink Punters is a long-running LGBTQ+ nightclub in Milton Keynes of more than 20 years. It is widely known as one of the UK’s best-known LGBTQ+ nightlife venues outside London, with a reputation for drag nights and weekend club events.
Owner Frank McMahon said he was “profoundly relieved” investigators had ruled out arson and confirmed the fire was not a deliberate attack or a hate crime.
“The building was lost, but lives were protected, and that remains the most important fact of all,” he said, praising staff for their response during the emergency. Pink Punters has said it plans to return in the future.
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