Pink Punters blaze 'accidental' as suspect released

A fire that broke out at an LGBT+ nightclub in Milton Keynes was believed to have started accidentally, police said.

The blaze took place at Pink Punters in the Bletchley area of the city at 02:00 BST on Sunday and caused significant damage to the venue.

Following a joint investigation between Thames Valley Police and Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS), "no evidence of criminality was found".

A 51-year-old man arrested on suspicion of arson has been "eliminated from inquiries", the force added.

Supt Emma Baillie, from Thames Valley Police, thanked the community for supporting the investigation.

"We understand that an incident like this can be concerning for the local community, but I want to reassure people that following a thorough joint investigation with BFRS, we have found no evidence of any criminality," she said.

"The fire is believed to have been accidental in nature, and thankfully no-one was injured. I would also like to commend the staff at Pink Punters, who worked quickly and effectively to ensure everyone was safely evacuated.

"We would like to thank members of the community who came forward and assisted us with our inquiries. Their support and cooperation has been invaluable as we worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident."

Initial demolition work has begun following the fire.

Watling Street was closed following the blaze but reopened to traffic on Thursday afternoon.

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