5G mast set on fire in west Belfast being treated as arson

A 5G mast was set on fire in west Belfast in the early hours of Saturday.

The fire, which is being treated as arson, happened on Beechmount Avenue and was reported to police at 00:30 BST.

It comes after a number of 5G masts have been set on fire recently, mostly in west Belfast.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) attended along with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the fire.

Det Insp Wilson of the PSNI said: “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.”

Sinn Féin councillor Ciaran Beattie has condemned the burning of the 5G mast.

“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,” he said.

“Anyone with information should contact the PSNI. Those responsible must face the full force of the law.”