A 5G mast west belfast It was deliberately set on fire on Wednesday night, according to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

The fire was reported near Owenvarragh Park on Andersonstown Road at around 10pm.

It is the latest 5G mast to be targeted following a series of attacks on the technology in the region earlier this year.

SDLP councilor Paul Doherty described the fire as “absolute madness”.

“At one point we thought the businesses or entertainment center directly next to it would collapse,” Major Doherty said.

“Fire crews secured the pole and extinguished the fire. This will undoubtedly have further impact on the surrounding community in terms of connectivity of telephone services.

“I’m speaking to the police who are currently investigating.”

PSNI also attended the incident