"Truly devastating." Man arrested after fire destroys popular Milton Keynes LGBTQ+ club, Pink Punters

A 51‑year‑old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a packed LGBTQ+ nightclub in Milton Keynes was set on fire in the early hours of Sunday morning, in what has been described as a devastating and deeply shocking attack on a vital community space.

The blaze broke out at Pink Punters, a well‑known and long‑standing gay nightclub in Fenny Stratford, shortly after 2am. At the time, the venue was busy with revellers when staff and security were forced to evacuate hundreds of people as flames rapidly spread through the building.

Thames Valley Police said officers were called alongside Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, with up to 12 fire engines deployed at the height of the incident. Dramatic footage shared on social media showed fire tearing through the upper part of the venue and flames rising above the roof. Roads in the Watling Street area were closed while emergency services worked through the night to bring the fire under control.

Despite the scale of the blaze, no injuries were reported. Police and fire officers have praised nightclub staff for acting quickly and calmly to get everyone out safely. Chief Superintendent Emma Baillie, Thames Valley Police commander for Milton Keynes, 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 ensure everyone was safely evacuated” .

A 51‑year‑old man from Milton Keynes has been arrested and remains in custody while investigations continue. Police have stressed that it is too early to comment on any potential motive and have urged the public not to speculate .

Eyewitnesses described chaotic and frightening scenes as the fire took hold. Club‑goer Molly Firman said staff suddenly began shouting for everyone to leave. “It was just a normal night, and then out of nowhere all the staff were screaming, ‘you need to get out now’. It didn’t feel real. Within minutes the fire had expanded massively,” she said, describing the experience as “surreal” and “truly devastating”.

Pink Punters has been a cornerstone of the UK’s LGBTQ+ nightlife for more than two decades, providing a rare safe space for queer people in and around Milton Keynes. The club’s owner, Frank McMahon, said he was heartbroken by the destruction of the building but relieved that no one had been hurt. “The building may be gone, but the community, the memories and the spirit remain. Pink Punters has always been about people,” he said in a statement .

The attack has prompted an outpouring of solidarity from the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, with neighbouring venues and local residents expressing shock and support. For many, the fire is not just the loss of a building, but an assault on one of the few dedicated queer spaces in the region.

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact Thames Valley Police as enquiries continue .