A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire at a 5G mast in Belfast, marking a troubling trend in attacks on telecommunications infrastructure.
Police have arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of arson following the burning of a 5G mast in west Belfast. The incident occurred late Sunday night, just off the Whiterock Road, prompting immediate action from both fire crews and law enforcement.
Incident Details
The fire broke out shortly after 11:30 PM, leading to a swift response from emergency services. By Monday morning, police initiated an investigation and took the suspect into custody.
Authorities are actively seeking witnesses, particularly anyone who might have seen a man riding a yellow bicycle in the area between 10:30 PM and midnight on Sunday.
“If you were in the vicinity of Whiterock Road or Falls Road during that time and noticed a male on a yellow bicycle, please contact the police,” urged a spokesperson from the PSNI. They also emphasized the importance of any CCTV or dashcam footage from local residents that could assist in the ongoing investigation.
Background on 5G Attacks
This incident marks the 26th attack on 5G infrastructure in Northern Ireland since the beginning of 2023. Police have confirmed that no charges have yet been filed in connection with this series of attacks, which have cumulatively cost UK mobile operators an estimated £2.5 million.
“This is just one of several 5G masts that have been set on fire in the area recently. The social and economic repercussions for the local community are significant. Setting fire to large electrical equipment is incredibly reckless and poses serious risks to both the perpetrators and the public,” the PSNI spokesperson added.
Call for Public Assistance
As the investigation continues, police are appealing to the public for any information that may lead to further developments. Individuals with relevant information are urged to contact law enforcement by calling 101, referencing incident number 1569 from September 7, 2025.
In light of this troubling trend, community safety remains a top priority for authorities, who are diligently working to prevent further incidents and ensure public safety.
