Suspected arson at former Exeter nightclub

In the early hours of Thursday, January 30, 2025, a fire broke out at the former EX4 nightclub on Fore Street in Exeter.

Emergency services were alerted at approximately 4.27am by a taxi driver who noticed items ablaze in the building's doorway.

The flames spread into the structure but were promptly extinguished by firefighters from Danes Castle and Middlemoor stations. They used a hose reel jet to douse the fire and a fan to ventilate smoke from the premises. 

The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service suspect that the fire was started deliberately and are treating the incident as arson.

The EX4 nightclub has been closed since January 2024 and was listed for sale. In November, there were reports of potential new ownership and a premises license application was submitted, proposing daily operations from 9am to 3am, including film screenings and late-night refreshments. 

Authorities are conducting an investigation into the suspected arson. No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.