Key Metrics
0.27
Heat Index-
Impact LevelLow
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Scope LevelLocal
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Last Update2025-07-20
Key Impacts
Positive Impacts (2)
Negative Impacts (9)
Event Overview
On June 7, 2025, a 5G mast at the Springbank Industrial Estate in Dunmurry, West Belfast, was deliberately set on fire. The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service responded, and police confirmed the incident as arson. West Belfast MP Paul Maskey condemned the attack, citing ongoing mobile signal issues due to repeated vandalism. This marks the 14th such incident since 2023, severely disrupting connectivity for residents and businesses. Virgin Media O2 reported five of its masts attacked in the past year, with repairs underway.
Event Timeline
Arson Attack on 5G Mast in West Belfast Disrupts Mobile Coverage
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, a 5G mast at the Springbank Industrial Estate in Dunmurry, West Belfast, was deliberately set on fire. The incident was reported at 2:40 PM, and the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) promptly attended the scene to extinguish the blaze. Detective Sergeant McVeagh confirmed that the fire is being treated as a deliberate act of arson. Police have appealed to the public for any information, dashcam footage, or other evidence, urging witnesses to contact them via the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 801 070625, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
West Belfast MP Paul Maskey of Sinn Féin strongly condemned the attack, labeling it as "ludicrous and absolutely nonsensical." He highlighted the ongoing issue of mobile signal black spots in the area, exacerbated by repeated vandalism of 5G masts. Maskey emphasized the need for better mobile coverage and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
This incident is part of a series of arson attacks targeting 5G infrastructure in West Belfast. Between January 2023 and December 2024, there were 13 such incidents, severely impacting mobile network reliability. Residents, including Jim Deeds, have reported significant disruptions, with calls frequently dropping or becoming unintelligible. Virgin Media O2 confirmed that five of its masts in West Belfast have been attacked in the past year, affecting network coverage and capacity. The company is working to repair the damaged masts and optimize coverage in the interim.
The repeated attacks have left the community frustrated, with businesses and individuals struggling with unreliable connectivity. The PSNI continues its investigations, treating the latest fire as a deliberate act, and has reiterated its call for public assistance to identify the perpetrators.