A number of 5G masts have been targeted by arsonists this week
Firefighters were called to reports of a mast ablaze on Beechmount Avenue, close to the Falls Road, shortly before midnight on Friday.
Two fire appliances attended the scene, with the mast already well alight. (Image: Stephen Hamilton / PressEye)
Another 5G mast has been targeted in an arson attack in Belfast.
The incident took place at around 12.30am on Saturday, August 16, when a 5G mast on Beechmount Avenue, in the west of the city was set alight.
It is the latest 5G mast to be targeted by arsonists following a spate of attacks on the infrastructure this week.
READ MORE: Belfast 5G mast arsons leading to hospitals having difficulties contacting patientsREAD MORE: Annadale 5G mast arson described as “extremely reckless”
Detective Inspector Wilson said: “At approximately 12.30am, it was reported that a 5G mast had been set alight in the Beechmount Avenue area of the city. “Officers attended the scene, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the fire. “This is just one of a number of 5G masts that have been set on fire recently and I cannot emphasise enough the dangers of lighting fire to electrical equipment. This is extremely reckless, and those responsible are putting themselves and members of the public at serious risk. “We are treating this as arson and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anyone suspicious in the area or anyone with CCTV or other footage that could assist with enquiries are asked to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 37 16/08/25.” Alternatively, a report can be submitted online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.
Picture by Jonathan Porter / PressEye
Police in west Belfast are appealing for witnesses and information following a 5G mast fire in Poleglass.
Detective Inspector McAnee said: We received a report at around 8.40pm on Thursday, 14th August of a 5G mast fire in the Glen Road area. Officers attended the scene, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who safely extinguished the fire.
This is the latest in a series of attacks on 5G masts in the area, which we know are of great concern and cause significant disruption to the local community. These attacks are having a damaging impact on individuals, businesses and vital services.
Sinn Féin councillor Ciaran Beattie condemned the latest burning of a 5G mast saying: “These vital pieces of infrastructure keep thousands of homes, businesses and public services connected across our city. “The campaign against 5G masts, driven by a small minority and fuelled by conspiracies, must end. “Anyone with information should contact the PSNI. Those responsible must face the full force of the law.”
West Belfast community group Beechmount Residents Collective have condemned the arson attack in the area saying: “The BRC (Comhphobal Ard na bFeá) strongly condemns last nights act of vandalism which saw another 5G mast set on fire and seriously damaged on Beechmount Avenue in the early hours.
“This reckless behaviour will have a devastating impact on our community. Our Loacl Businesses will suffer without connectivity, residents in the area will lose phone and internet access, and some of our most vulnerable neighbours will be unable to call for help in an emergency.
“These actions are nothing short of madness creating fear and panic in the area late last night and putting lives at risk.
“We call on those responsible to cease these destructive acts immediately.”
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