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Man arrested for arson of 5G masts in west Belfast released on bail

BBC A mass of scorched rubble and plastic lays at the bottom of a 5G tower. To the right of the tower is a grey electricity box which is also scorched black. The words 'open your eyes' have been painted on the electricity box. A mass of loose electricity wires are hanging from an opening in the mast. BBC
A sixth arson attack on 5G towers in three weeks was reported on Monday

A 42-year-old man has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of a number of counts of arson on 5G masts in west Belfast.

Police said they believe these attacks are not the work of a single individual.

A sixth arson attack on 5G towers in three weeks was reported on Monday.

Since June 2023, 16 arson attacks on 5G towers took place in west Belfast, with the most recent attack near the Rathcoole estate, in Newtownabbey, bringing the total to 17.

The man who was arrested was released on bail pending further police enquiries.

Det Insp McAnee said the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) "continue to keep an open mind and are actively pursuing a number of lines of enquiry".

"It is our current assessment that these attacks are not the work of a single individual.

"It is therefore important to reiterate our appeal for the public's assistance.

"We remain of the belief that there are individuals out there who will have knowledge that could assist us in identifying those responsible and stopping these attacks."

Police added that the public should continue to see increased police visibility around the affected areas.

"Engagement with stakeholders will continue as part of our effort to ensure that steps are taken to protect this critical infrastructure and prevent future incidents," Det Insp McAnee said.

On the side of an electrical box beside a 5G mast are the words "open your eyes" and "danger radiation"
Throughout Belfast, 5G masts and electrical infrastructure have been daubed with graffiti

Cornerstone, the firm responsible for maintaining the physical masts which provide signal for network providers, previously told BBC News NI it was aware that some people have concerns about mobile phone base stations.

"The strong consensus of expert groups and public health agencies, such as the World Health Organization, is that no health risks have been established from exposure to the low-level radio signals used by these base stations," Cornerstone said.