LGBT+ nightclub fire near Milton Keynes leads to arson arrest

LGBT+ nightclub fire near Milton Keynes leads to arson arrest

A man has been taken into custody on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following a fire at a crowded LGBT+ nightclub in Fenny Stratford, near Milton Keynes. The incident occurred in the early hours when patrons at Pink Punters were urgently evacuated as flames rapidly engulfed the venue.

Thames Valley Police reported that a 51-year-old man from Milton Keynes remains held in connection with the fire, while emphasizing that no injuries have been reported so far. Authorities have appealed to the public to refrain from speculating about possible motives behind the incident.

Eyewitness Molly Firman described the sudden urgency inside the club. “Out of nowhere,” she said, “staff and security started screaming, ‘you need to get out now’.” She recalled the surreal moment, explaining, “It just didn’t seem real in the moment,” adding, “Am I dreaming this? Is it actually happening? Before you knew it, it was just intense.” She was at the venue with friends when the fire alarm sounded and the situation quickly escalated.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 02:09 BST to a blaze on Watling Street and deployed 12 fire appliances at the scene during the firefighting efforts. A spokesperson indicated that crews would remain for a lengthy period to manage and extinguish residual hotspots. Roads in the vicinity are expected to stay closed for some time as emergency services continue their work. Chief Superintendent Emma Baillie, leading the response in Milton Keynes, stated that patrons were evacuated “quickly and effectively” and requested that the public avoid speculation while investigations continue

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