Man arrested under suspicion of arson following blaze at Milton Keynes LGBTQIA+ nightclub

A man has been arrested in connection to a blaze that ripped through a packed LGBTQIA+ venue in Milton Keynes in the early hours of Sunday morning (April 28). 

According to BBC News, attendees at Pink Punters in Fenny Stratford were evacuated after a fire alarm went off shortly after 2:AM. While there were no reported injuries, the venue - which has been in operation for over 36 years - was completely destroyed by the fire.

Thames Valley Police confirmed that a 51-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. "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," Chief Superintendent Emma Baillie, Commander of Milton Keynes, said in a statement.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said it took a "considerable amount of time" to tackle the fire after receiving a report at around 2:09AM, as thousands of people watched from the road.

Owner Frank McMahon shared an update on Facebook, writing: "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."

"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," he continues. "And let me say this clearly: Pink Punters will be back."

[Via: BBC News]

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