Rampage continues as 5G mast is torched overnight in west Belfast
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 Belfast Telegraph 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.
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.
'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.
Firefighters battle 5G mast fire in Poleglass
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
Belfast Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Dissidents claim to ‘have cops over a barrel' on notorious Derry bonfire
The New IRA has claimed to have the PSNI at its mercy over a notorious Derry bonfire. Republicans say that if cops attempt to remove the pyre, dissidents will claim 'two-tier policing' and point to how officers refused to take down an Eleventh Night loyalist bonfire in Belfast which was next to an asbestos dump and electricity substation which powers two hospitals.
ITV News
7 hours ago
- ITV News
Brother of murder victim dies days after PSNI chief hand-delivers apology
A man who campaigned for answers over the murder of his brother has died days after receiving a police Thompson died in the Mater Hospital in Belfast this week, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher delivered a personal apology at his bedside over police failings around the murder of his brother Paul by loyalist terrorists in 1994. Paul Thompson, 25, died after being shot while in a taxi in the area of Springfield Park on his way that evening, UDA terrorists are believed to have cut a hole in a peace line fence to access the area which was reported to police. In his apology Mr Boutcher acknowledged failures by police and said the murder has not been the subject of a full and effective investigation. In a statement the Committee on the Administration of Justice in Northern Ireland say Eugene died without truth or justice for what happened to his brother Paul. They added they will continue to fight for Fein MP Paul Maskey expressed his condolences following the death of Eugene said: 'Eugene, alongside his family, led a brave and dignified campaign to uncover the full extent of Paul's sectarian murder and the role the British state played in it.'Shamefully, the British government continues to conceal this, denying Eugene's family, and so many others, even the most basic justice.'Just last week, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher delivered a letter to Eugene Thompson as he lay terminally ill in the Mater Hospital.'Mr Maskey added: 'This was testament to Eugene's character, determined right to the end to see justice for Paul.'The UK Government has launched a legal bid at the Supreme Court to prevent coroner Louisa Fee from disclosing a summary, or gist, of the evidence in a sensitive security force file following an inquest into Paul Thompson's death.A ruling has not yet been week, Eugene Thompson welcomed the apology from Mr Boutcher, and said he hoped to see the judgment from the Supreme Court soon. In a statement the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) said: "It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Eugene Thompson, brother of Paul 'Topper' Thompson, who was shot dead by the UDA in Belfast in August 1994. "Eugene died without ever seeing the disclosure of the intelligence material relevant to his brother's inquest. He died without hearing the Supreme Court judgment. "Most tragically, he died without truth or justice for what happened to Paul. "Eugene spent the final years of his life leading his family's campaign for truth, following in the footsteps of his late mother Margaret, who also passed away without answers. "He fought with determination and dignity, even while gravely ill and facing continued institutional resistance. "That he has died while the case remains unresolved is a profound injustice which should weigh heavily on those responsible for the persistent delays, obstruction and legal challenges that have defined this process."Only last week, the PSNI Chief Constable issued a formal apology to Eugene in recognition of the failings of both the RUC and PSNI in the handling of Paul's case. "While no apology can undo the harm, it was right that Eugene received this acknowledgment during his lifetime. "At the heart of this legal battle is whether Paul Thompson's family is entitled to even the most limited information, a gist, about the intelligence the State holds on his death. "The highest authorities in this jurisdiction agreed the information should be shared. The High Court and Court of Appeal ruled in favour of disclosure. The PSNI, under Jon Boutcher, supported this ruling. "However, the UK government, through the Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence and Home Office, chose to appeal. The Supreme Court heard the case in June and has not yet issued a ruling. "These delays continued despite the government being fully aware of Eugene's terminal illness. "Eugene's death underscores the human cost of a system designed not to deliver answers, but to delay and deny them. "Like so many others, Eugene encountered a government more committed to secrecy than to justice. "Despite this, he remained resolute in his pursuit of truth, not only for Paul but for all families who have suffered from the State's failure to protect its citizens and its ongoing refusal to be held to account. "This case sits within the broader context of the UK Government's Legacy Act and its deeply flawed new structures, including the ICRIR, which aim to shut down independent legal processes and shield the State from scrutiny."RFJ and CAJ extend our deepest sympathies to Eugene's loved ones, especially Briege. We also reaffirm our support for all families still seeking truth, justice and accountability. Eugene should not have had to fight this long, and he should not have died without answers."We will continue that fight in his name and in memory of all those who have been silenced not by time, but by deliberate delay." Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.
BBC News
8 hours ago
- BBC News
Linfield: Some fans 'determined to destroy' clubs reputation
Reputational damage has been caused to Linfield Football Club due to a "small element" of fans, according to chairman Roy Belfast club were fined €10,000 (£8,727) for the "racist and/or discriminatory behaviour of its supporters" and €2,000 (£1,745) for the lighting of fireworks in Windsor Park during their Champions League qualifier against Irish Premiership champions were also handed a partial stadium ban, which is suspended for two McGivern said: "Some supporters only come to the bigger games and indulge in sectarian behaviour and light pyrotechnics and it has to stop." Speaking to BBC News NI, the chairman said the board had spent spent long hours discussing the problem of sectarianism over a number of said the club held meetings with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), supporters groups and local representatives."We try to make progress and promote positive behaviours and to an extent it has worked, but when big games come around there is an element who seem determined to damage the reputation of the club, not just financially, but also it is very important to us, our reputation, in terms of sponsorship," he said. Responding to the sanction at the time, Linfield noted their "extreme disappointment", adding: "This sanction is as a result of sectarian chanting and the use of flares by individuals who would profess to be our supporters."The club has repeatedly urged its supporters to refrain from all forms of sectarian and discriminatory chanting at our games and also to avoid the use of pyrotechnics." Linfield manager David Healy said the board are "at their wits' end".Healy said a "very small minority" had "let the club down", and emphasised the vast majority of supporters make up "a brilliant fan base".The Windsor Park game finished 1-1 with Dubliners Shelbourne progressing 2-1 on aggregate.
