Man Arrested After Series of 5G Mast Arsons in West Belfast

A series of arson attacks targeting 5G masts in West Belfast has escalated with another mast set on fire on Whiterock Road, leading to the arrest of a man in his 40s on suspicion of arson. Police and fire services responded to the blaze shortly before midnight, with firefighters extinguishing the fire and authorities launching an investigation into the deliberate ignition. Detective Inspector McAnee highlighted the serious social and economic repercussions of these attacks, warning that such acts are reckless and endanger both the perpetrators and the public. Authorities have appealed for witnesses, particularly anyone who saw a male riding a yellow bicycle in the area around the time of the fire, and requested any relevant CCTV or dashcam footage to aid the investigation. Sinn Féin councillor Ronan McLaughlin condemned the ongoing vandalism, emphasizing the threat it poses to vital infrastructure and public safety, noting that poor connectivity could jeopardize lives. Calls have been made for swift justice to hold those responsible accountable and to halt the damaging misinformation fueling these destructive campaigns.