UK LGBTIQA+ venue Pink Punters was completely destroyed by fire last weekend, while there was concern the fire may have been deliberately lit, authorities have now ruled it was accidental.
A man who was being held in custody on suspicion of arson has now been released.
Hundreds of people were evacuated from Pink Punters, a nightclub in Fenny Stratford near Milton Keynes. The Buckinghamshire town is about 70km from central London. Pink Punters had been operating for 26 years and has a capacity of up to 650 people across multiple rooms.
Thames Valley Police in the UK said a joint investigation with Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Chief superintendent Emma Baillie said: “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 Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service (BFRS), we have found no evidence of any criminality.
“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.”
Drone footage captured by local outlet That’s Milton Keynes shows the substantial damage caused to the venue.
Earlier this week venue owner Frank McMahon, said he was relieved that nobody had been hurt and praised staff for their swift action in evacuating the building.
“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.” McMahon said in a statement.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank my entire workforce. They acted calmly, professionally and effectively in the most serious of circumstances. At Pink Punters, we have always maintained the highest standards in Training, Equipment and Procedures. Years of practising fire drills, over and over again, paid off when it mattered most.
“I cannot put into words how proud I am of everyone involved.” he said.
