Man arrested over fire at LGBT+ nightclub (Photos)

A man has been arrested after a ‘significant’ fire broke out at an LGBT+ nightclub in Buckinghamshire on Sunday morning.

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Police were dispatched to Pink Punters nightclub in Milton Keynes at around 2am on Sunday after footage appeared to show flames on the building’s top floor and above the roof.

 12 fire crews scrambled to fight the fire, which could be seen ravaging the building in drone footage while thick plumes of smoke rose billowed upwards.

Police said it was too early to say the reason the fire broke out, but added partygoers and residents around Watling Street were safely evacuated and there were no injuries.

A 51-year-old man from Milton Keynes was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remains in police custody.

Officers and Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue crews remained at the scene, and road closures were still in place on Sunday afternoon.

At the peak of the blaze there were 12 fire crews at the nightclub, which has been running for over 20 years and has dancefloors and an outdoor bar.

Milton Keynes Commander Chief Superintendent Emma Baillie said: ‘This was a significant fire in which a large number of people had to be evacuated.

‘Thankfully no one was injured, and staff at the venue worked quickly and effectively to safely evacuate everyone.’

She added: ‘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.’