Updated: Arrests made over suspected arson attack on renovated Hull nightclub

Revellers were evacuated at 2.20am after a blaze broke out at the Valbon nightclub, in Hull, which had only been open a week following a “no expense spared” renovation.

Two men have now been arrested in connection with the suspected arson attack.

Humberside Police said officers were called to the Valbon - formerly known as Pozition - Nightclub, George Street, at around 4.10am yesterday (Saturday, February 20), after Humberside Fire and Rescue Service put out the fire.

No one was injured as a result of the incident.

Two 23-year-old men – one from Hull and one from Hessle – have been arrested in connection with the incident and remain in police custody pending further enquiries.

Club manager Jason Herringshaw, 26, said he believed the fire had been started deliberately and that a police investigation was under way.

He said: “Safety is our highest priority and we followed our procedures by the book. Our staff were straight into action and we had everyone evacuated within three to four minutes.”

Although the fire was contained to just a part of the club, it caused “significant damage” - and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service left the scene at about 5am yesterday morning.

Mr Herringshaw said he did not know when the club would be able to reopen.

He said: “It’s a negative thing that’s happened. But I was very proud of my staff because we got everyone out safely. The fire brigade congratulated us.

“This is a setback but we will be back stronger than ever. Nobody will stop us.”

He said whoever was responsible for the attack was “trying to destroy a local independent nightclub doing its best for the people of Hull.”

Humberside Police said anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting log number 93 of February 20.