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Vandals Set Fire To 5G Mast, Leaving 2,700 People Without Phone Or Broadband

Vandals Set Fire To 5G Mast, Leaving 2,700 People Without Phone Or Broadband

It's thought the attack was linked to another similar incident in the same town

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

Vandals have set fire to a 5G mast, leaving 2,700 people without phone or broadband.

The mast as well as broadband cabinets near Longstomps Avenue, Chelmsford, Essex, were torched in the early hours of Sunday morning (31 January).

The suspected arson attack damaged the local network, with over thousands of people left without internet or phone connection.

Openreach engineers are currently attempting to fix the damage, but have warned it could take several days to repair.

It comes after two other towers were also targeted in the same town in the past year.

Police have launched an investigation into the attack and believe the two incidents may be linked.

According to reports, it's thought the perpetrators may have been motivated by misinformation and conspiracy theories surrounding 5G's purported link to the coronavirus pandemic.

A 5G mast and two cabinets were damaged in the attack.
Eastnews Press Agency

Speaking about the attack, Kevin Murphy, managing director of fibre network delivery at Openreach, said: "Our network in Chelmsford was attacked by arsonists in the early hours of Sunday morning, leaving around 2,700 without phone and broadband services.

"Attacks on our equipment are deeply concerning, especially considering so many people are relying on their broadband during lockdown to work, home school and stay connected with loved ones.

"We know how frustrating this must be for those affected and we'll be doing what we can to prioritise fixes for vulnerable customers and key local services.

"Our Security team is working with the relevant authorities to make sure that this incident is fully investigated and those responsible are held to account."

Police have now urged anyone with any information about the incident to get in touch.

A spokesperson for the force said: "We are investigating reports of a suspected arson at Longstomps Avenue, Chelmsford.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Eastnews Press Agency

"The fire is believed to have been started in the early hours of Sunday 31 January and has caused significant damage to Openreach telecommunications equipment, affecting thousands of residents in the area.

"If anyone has any information, they are asked to call us on 101 quoting crime reference 42/18083/21 or to report it online at www.essex.police.uk."

The rumours surrounding 5G masts started last year after people started claiming that Africa hasn't been as affected by Covid-19 as it is not a 5G region.

However, the World Health Organisation shut this down at the time when it stated the continent had several thousands of confirmed cases.

The UK government has always maintained there is 'no evidence to suggest that 5G has anything to do with Covid-19'.

Despite that, however, some people have remained convinced there is a link, with such messages being spread via social media - including a Stop 5G Facebook group, where some users have encouraged others to target 5G towers.

Featured Image Credit: Eastnews Press Agency

Topics: Police, covid, Coronavirus, Technology, Weird, Conspiracy Theory, Health, Covid-19