A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a “significant” fire at an LGBT+ nightclub. Thames Valley Police received reports at around 2am on Sunday, April 26, that the Pink Punters venue in Milton Keynes was on fire.

A large number of partygoers and residents in the Watling Street area were safely evacuated by staff, police added. Footage appears to show flames inside the top floor of the building and towering above its roof. Police said the specific cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Officers and Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue crews remain at the scene and there are road closures.

A 51-year-old man from the Buckinghamshire city was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remains in custody, police said.

Pink Punters has been running for more than two decades and has dancefloors, an outdoor bar and offers karaoke.

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.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 43260203265.