A 51-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following a fire at Pink Punters, an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Fenny Stratford, near Milton Keynes. Thames Valley Police received reports of the blaze at 2am on Sunday, and a large number of partygoers and residents were safely evacuated by staff.
The club's owner, Frank McMahon, whose family has run Pink Punters for more than 25 years, said he was devastated the building was completely destroyed but deeply relieved no one was hurt. 'Pink Punters has always been about people, not just bricks and mortar. The building may be gone, but the family, the memories, the spirit and the love remain. And let me say this clearly: Pink Punters will be back,' he said.
Footage showed flames inside the top floor and towering above the roof. Twelve fire crews attended the scene, and nearby roads were closed. The suspect, from Buckinghamshire, remains in custody.
Police have urged the public not to speculate about the motive. Ch Supt Emma Baillie, Milton Keynes commander, said: '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.'
