Pink Punters: Fire that broke out at LGBT+ nightclub in Milton Keynes was started accidentally, police say
A fire at an LGBT+ nightclub in Milton Keynes has been declared accidental by police.
The fire broke out at the Pink Punters venue at 2am on Sunday and Thames Valley Police have ruled out any third party being involved.
A 51-year-old Milton Keynes man who was initially arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life has subsequently been “removed” from police investigations, the force has confirmed.
Chief Superintendent Emma Baillie said: “We understand that an incident such as this can be worrying for the local community, but I would like to reassure people that following an extensive joint investigation with Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) we have found no evidence of any wrongdoing.
“The fire is believed to have started accidentally and thankfully no one was injured.
“I would also like to thank the Pink Punters staff who worked quickly and effectively to ensure everyone was evacuated safely.”
Pink Punters has been operating for over twenty years and offers dance floors, an outdoor bar and karaoke.
Nightclub owner Frank McMahon said he was “deeply relieved” that the fire was not a “deliberate attack” or a “hate crime”.
Mr McMahon said the firm’s staff acted “quickly, calmly and professionally” to move hundreds of people to safety, meaning no one was injured.
He added: “Pink Punters has always placed safety at the heart of its operation.
“The building was lost but lives were preserved and that remains the most important fact.
“This incident is a painful reminder that even with strong security systems in place, rare and unpredictable situations can still occur.”
One club goer described security staff “dragging” people from the venue when the fire broke out.
Lester Jay was in the Pinks’ “packed” cellar, as it was known locally, when he first noticed security yelling at the crowd to get out.
Mr Jay said: Press Association: “It was really packed downstairs, I’d say there were a few hundred people in the basement.
“From security you could immediately feel and see that this was not a drill, but a real-life scenario.
“I was standing near the fire door and he was one of the first people to come out, but then everyone was pouring out from everywhere and you immediately turn around and see the house in flames.
“When we stood outside, embers were raining down all over the parking lot, it was like it was raining fire. So they had to make the decision to move everyone away from the area.”
