Police warn 5G arson puts public ‘at serious risk’

Arsonists targeting 5G masts are putting themselves and the public “at serious risk”, police have said.

The warning comes after a 5G tower was set alight in the Beechmount Avenue area of Belfast shortly after midnight on Saturday morning.

It is the latest in a series of similar arson incidents in Northern Ireland.

Detectives are appealing to the public for information about the crime.

Detective Inspector Wilson said: “Officers attended the scene, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the fire.

“This is just one of a number of 5G masts that have been set on fire recently and I cannot emphasise enough the dangers of lighting fire to electrical equipment.

“This is extremely reckless and those responsible are putting themselves and members of the public at serious risk.

“We are treating this as arson and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anyone suspicious in the area or anyone with CCTV or other footage that could assist with inquiries are asked to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 37 16/08/25.”