
Rampage continues as another 5G mast is torched overnight
Stock Image: Firefighters deal with an arson at a 5G mast on the Monagh Bypass earlier in the year(Photo by Kevin Scott)
Emergency services were called to reports of a 5G mast alight on Upper Dunmurry Lane shortly after 11:45pm on Monday.
Firefighters used specialist cutting equipment to access the site due to a locked gate.
The Sunday World understands the mast failed to ignite fully.
Police officers at the scene removed material from the interior of the mast that was used, in an attempt to start the blaze.
The 17 previous attacks
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: 'Firefighters used a CO2 extinguisher to extinguish the fire and the scene was handed over to the PSNI.
'The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate ignition and the incident was dealt with by 1.07am.'
A PSNI spokesperson said: 'Some damage was caused to electronics in a nearby building and we're treating the fire as deliberate, with our enquiries into the matter ongoing.
'We understand the concerns regarding the recent series of attacks on 5G masts in the west Belfast area and the significant disruption these incidents are causing across the community, impacting both businesses and local residents.
Stock Image: Firefighters deal with an arson at a 5G mast on the Monagh Bypass earlier in the year(Photo by Kevin Scott)
Firefighters battle 5G mast fire in Poleglass
'We believe there are individuals with knowledge that could assist us in identifying those responsible for these attacks and, once again, are appealing to the public to share any information with us.
"We're also keen to speak with anyone who might have CCTV or other footage that could assist with our enquiries.
The overnight incident brings the total number of masts destroyed since January 2023 to 18.
Earlier this week the Sunday World reported that a group calling itself 'Anarchy 61' have claimed responsibility for the most recent attacks.
The value of each mast ranges between £100k and £200k meaning the cost of the damage to date could be as high as £3.4m.
In a statement Mobile UK, the umbrella organisation of the UK's main network providers, said the time for condemnation of such incidents has long passed, with providers now seeking what they say will be 'a crucial intervention' from Stormont to help stop the attacks and ensure seamless network coverage for all, across Northern Ireland.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Extra.ie
3 hours ago
- Extra.ie
GAA pay tribute to mother and children killed in Fermanagh shooting
A heart-wrenching tribute was paid at Croke Park for the mother and two children killed in Co Fermanagh last week. It took place ahead of the All Ireland Senior Football final in memory of Vanessa Whyte and her children, James and Sara who were fatally injured following a shooting at their home on Wednesday. The trio's names appeared on a screen alongside their picture while a minute's applause took place before Kerry faced off Donegal. It took place ahead of the All Ireland Senior Football final in memory of Vanessa Whyte and her children, James and Sara who were fatally injured following a shooting at their home on Wednesday. Pic: Facebook Veterinary surgeon Ms Whyte was in her 40s and originally from Co Clare. A man remains in hospital following gunshot wounds with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) believing the horror incident was an attempted murder-suicide. The popular matriarch had played camogie for the local club, St Joseph's Doora Barefield, with locals telling of her love of hurling and Clare GAA. Vanessa, James & Sara remembered in @CrokePark today at the @officialgaa All Ireland. 💚🤍 — Fermanagh GAA (@FermanaghGAA) July 27, 2025 St Josephs' Doora Barefield GAA club said it was 'shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic passing yesterday of Barefield native Vanessa Whyte and her two beautiful children James and Sara in Fermanagh'. After relocating to the North, Vanessa joined St Patrick's Lisbellaw Hurling Club, where her children were also members. No funeral details have been released for the family as of yet, though it is expected it will take place in Vanessa's native of Clare. After relocating to the North, Vanessa joined St Patrick's Lisbellaw Hurling Club, where her children were also members. Pic: PSNI/PA Wire Fr Tom Fitzpatrick, parish priest in Barefield, Co. Clare, told Clare FM last week that though no details have been finalised, it's the family's wish that the funeral be held in Clare. Clare FM reported that Ms Whyte 'was a frequent visitor to friends and family in Barefield and was a keen Clare GAA supporter, even attending last year's All-Ireland hurling final with Sara and James'. A vigil took place over the weekend at Maguiresbridge Primary School, where James and Sara had both previously attended. School principal Honor Irvine described the two sporty kids as popular, noting she had taught them both for two years. 'James was full of fun, always laughing, loved to get a laugh, loved to be outdoors. Sara was the same. Sara loved outdoors, bit of a tomboy, and the two of them got on very well, [had] lots of friends and were very popular in school' she said.


Sunday World
14 hours ago
- Sunday World
Cops seize flick knife and drugs from bus passenger in Belfast
A spokesperson for the PSNI said officers from the Safe Transport Team had been conducting patrols on board the Glider network A flick knife and drugs were seized from a passenger on the Glider bus in west Belfast on Friday, police have said. A spokesperson for the PSNI said officers from the Safe Transport Team had been conducting patrols on board the Glider network. "During our patrols many people commented how they were pleased to see Police on board services due to ongoing anti social behaviour concerns,' they said. PSNI conducting Glider patrol - 25th July, 2025 'Whilst on board, officers detained one male passenger for a search and located a small quantity of Class B Drugs and more concerningly, a flick knife. "The dangers of carrying a knife are self explanatory and can some times lead to tragic consequences. The male will now be investigated for these offences. It comes after Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins outlined plans in February to extend the Glider service to north and south Belfast. As part of the development, there will be more 'bus priority measures' in the city. And there is anger after two elements of the scheme were dropped for now, with plans to run the Glider to Carryduff, and separately to Glengormley, not proceeding. The full scheme will not be completed until 2030 at the earliest. The Glider service of tram-like buses opened in September 2018. It currently runs from the McKinstry roundabout in west Belfast to Dundonald park-and-ride in east Belfast via the city centre. A second line connects the city centre to the Titanic Quarter. File photo of a Glider Ms Kimmins said the Glider 'has been a huge success' and has helped transform and modernise public transport services in east and west Belfast. She said extending the service to the north and south will bring 'the benefits of the Glider service to communities living along this route'. But there was anger after plans to extend the service beyond Cairnshill Park and Ride to Carryduff, and separately to Glengormley, were dropped. Ms Kimmins said that funding and feasibility studies led her to conclude "that any extension of the Glider service beyond Cairnshill Road Park and Ride towards Carryduff is not economically viable at this time but will be re-examined when further development along this route is realised'. She also said that 'significant congestion within Glengormley', as well as the pending public realm scheme and limited funding 'make it challenging to extend the service into Glengormley'. Flick knife recovered by PSNI from Glider bus on 25th July, 2025 Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 27th


The Irish Sun
16 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
GAA pay poignant tribute to mum and two children killed in Co Fermanagh shooting at All-Ireland final in Croke Park
THE GAA has paid a poignant tribute to a mum and two children who were killed in Co Fermanagh this week. The commemoration took place at 3 A vigil was held for Vanessa and her children Sara and James on Friday evening Credit: PA 3 Respects were paid to the tragic trio and their family Credit: x It was to honour The names of the three appeared on screen alongside a picture of them while a minute's applause was held. And an announcement was made on the loudspeakers offering "condolences on the tragic deaths" with thoughts and prayers dedicated to the trio's friends, family, and community. A moment of silence was also held before the match kicked off. READ MORE IN GAA Vanessa and her two children were shot dead at their home in the Co A man who is a member of the same household remains critical in hospital while PSNI probe the incident as a suspected triple-murder and attempted suicide. Maguiresbridge St Mary's GFC paid tribute to the family, calling them "treasured members". Most read in The Irish Sun In a statement, they said: "Vanessa's devotion to her family and our games was well known, but to say she wore her heart on her sleeve seems like an understatement in Vanessa's case. "Vanessa's heart was there for everyone to see each and every time James and Sara would take to the pitch. "She had a passion for our games that encompassed everything good about the GAA showing dedication, sportsmanship, and camaraderie, and it was clear to see how Vanessa instilled these same values in her children." Remembering young lad James, they added: "Captain of our U14 team this year, James' energy and drive was the heartbeat of our team and he had the confidence to be vocal and show leadership to younger team members. All-Ireland Senior Championship Hurling Final Croke Park "During games his enthusiasm and strength of character was only echoed by that of Vanessa and Sara who would inevitably be cheering him on from the sideline. "At training, those of us lucky enough to be involved would see James the joker. "His playfulness and sense of humour may have earned his teammates more push-ups than they would've like on occasion, but his light-hearted nature and kindness always enhanced team morale and made our time together all the more enjoyable and memorable." And in tribute to Sara, they commented: "Sara displayed a mix of quiet resolve with dogged determination. HEART AND SOUL "An exceptionally well behaved girl, Sara was a joy to be around and always had a smile on her face. "Like Vanessa and James, Sara shared a love of all things GAA and their beloved County Clare, a regular source of playful goading, which we will now forever miss." And St Patrick's Lisbellaw Hurling Club said the tragic victims were "the heart and soul" of the club. They said: "Our hearts go out to all those grieving their loss. This tragedy has had and will continue to have such an impact on all those whose lives they touched. "The club and wider GAA community are sharing resources to try and help process this devastating loss. "Anybody who needs help with this, please reach out. "Ar dhéis Dé go raibh a anam." A 3 The three were avid GAA players in two of their local clubs Credit: Pacemaker