A fire that destroyed the Pink Punters LGBT+ nightclub in Milton Keynes has been ruled accidental by police, with no evidence of criminality found.
The blaze broke out at the venue on Sunday at 2am. Thames Valley Police initially arrested a 51-year-old man from Milton Keynes on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, but he has since been eliminated from inquiries.
Chief Superintendent Emma Baillie said a joint investigation with Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service found no third-party involvement. “The fire is believed to have been accidental in nature, and thankfully no one was injured,” she said, commending staff for their swift evacuation of the premises.
Club owner Frank McMahon expressed profound relief that the fire was not a deliberate attack or hate crime. He noted that staff acted “quickly, calmly and professionally” to move hundreds to safety, adding: “The building was lost, but lives were protected.”
Witness Lester Jay described the chaotic scene, with security personnel dragging people out of the packed cellar. He recalled “raining embers” in the car park as the club burned.
Pink Punters, which has operated for over two decades, features dancefloors, an outdoor bar, and karaoke. The cause of the accidental fire remains under investigation.
