Four Belfast 5G masts set alight in 48-hour arson rampage

Four 5G masts have been damaged during a 48-hour arson rampage in west Belfast.

The mobile 5G masts, all located in the west of the city, were attacked between Monday night and the early hours of Wednesday morning.

In the latest attacks, two were set alight overnight; one on Stewartstown Road and another on the Monagh Bypass.

Firefighters and police received reports of a mast alight on the Stewartstown Road shortly after 10pm, on arrival they discovered a small fire at the base of the mast.

Just three hours later, at around 1am, firefighters received reports of another 5G mast alight on the Monagh Bypass, firefighters used a hose reel to extinguish a fire set in the base of the mast.

Just 24 hours earlier, it is understood two further masts were set alight in the Upper Springfield Road area.

The Belfast Telegraph understands that accelerant and fire lighters were used to set the fires.

In June “extensive damage” was caused to a nearby 5G mobile mast located on Distillery Street in an act of arson that closed the Westlink for a number of hours.

Firefighters battled the blaze that took hold of an entire 5G mast.

The most recent attack during the early hours of Wednesday morning brings the total masts damaged in the west Belfast area to 10.

Police have been contacted for comment.

News Catch Up: Tuesday 30th July 2024