'Idiots': 5G mast in Bierley burned out in 'mindless attack'

A 5G MAST has been destroyed by fire in Bierley.

The incident was reported to police early on Friday at Burnham Avenue.

Councillor Michael Johnson (Lab, Tong) said if the Bierley incident is like others linked to a pandemic scare then the people who did it were "idiots".

A spokesperson for EE confirmed that it was one of their masts and condemned the "mindless attack".

Pictures of the aftermath show the mast, antenna and cabinets on the ground all scorched by flames. The mast is believed to have been only installed last week.

It is the second such incident known in Bradford in the past few weeks after a "suspicious" fire destroyed a phone mast in Wibsey in May.

A rash of arson attacks on 5G masts were reported at the start of the coronavirus pandemic because they were mistakenly believed to be the cause of the virus outbreak.

Coun Johnson said: "The police informed Tong Ward Councillors earlier today of an arson attack on a 5G phone mast in Burnham Avenue, Bierley.

"If it is linked with conspiracy theories linking 5G to coronavirus then the people who carried out this criminal act are idiots.

"It's as daft as believing the Earth is flat or the Moon is made of cream cheese.

The burned-out antennae at the top of the mast

"Anyone with information about this crime should contact the police."

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "Officers were called at 2.38am on Friday to reports of a 5G mast on fire.

"Police and the fire service attended the Burnham Avenue mast in Brierley.

"An investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances.

"Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area, is asked to contact the police via 101 quoting crime reference number 13200357729 or alternatively information can be passed to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

An EE spokesperson said: "Mindless attacks deliberately removing mobile signal is a reckless, harmful and dangerous thing to do and aside from the obvious risk to our colleagues could have serious consequences, from preventing a call reaching the ambulance service, to stopping families being able to talk to each other.

"These senseless crimes are creating unnecessary risk to human life, both to those that live in the areas being targeted and to the emergency services working to contain the situation. Every incident is being reported by our teams and we are increasing security at high risk sites.

"Our guard patrols have been supplied with body cameras and will immediately alert the local police force to any suspicious activity. The mobile industry is also working in collaboration with social media platforms to remove harmful content to stop the spread of misinformation and help protect our workers.”