A 44-year-old man appeared in court this week charged with arson after a 5G mast in West Belfast was set on fire over the weekend.
Darren Clarke, who has no fixed address, faced Belfast Magistrates’ Court via video link from Musgrave Police Station on Tuesday.
Firefighters were called to the scene on Sunday night, where they extinguished a blaze at a 5G mast located off Whiterock Road at the junction with Brittons Parade. Police described the incident as “extremely reckless and dangerous,” warning it posed a serious risk to the public.
A PSNI detective told the court that Clarke was stopped and arrested nearby shortly after the mast was set alight. The detective added that Clarke’s phone contained footage related to 5G masts.
Police highlighted a worrying trend, noting more than 24 attacks on telecoms masts in West Belfast since 2020. The damages from these attacks have been estimated at around £4 million.
At the hearing, the judge ruled there was no prospect of bail for Clarke, keeping him in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Authorities emphasized the dangers posed by such attacks, pointing out that arson at telecoms infrastructure not only risks lives but also disrupts essential communication services. Investigators continue to monitor and respond to incidents targeting 5G installations.
The case underscores growing concerns about attacks on telecommunications networks. Police have been urging anyone with information about similar incidents to come forward.
With 5G masts increasingly vital for internet and mobile networks, officials stress that public safety must remain a top priority. Each act of vandalism or arson is treated as a serious criminal offense, with strict legal consequences for those involved.
This latest case is part of a broader pattern of attacks in the West Belfast area. Police have been working to enhance surveillance and security around telecom infrastructure.
Clarke is expected to return to court for further hearings. Authorities have reiterated that they will pursue offenders to the fullest extent of the law, aiming to deter future attacks and protect both the public and essential services.
