Mobile network operator condemns arson attack on their mobile mast

A fire took hold on the corner of Queensway and the Bloxham Road on Wednesday evening

A mobile phone network operator believes a fire at one of their masts in Banbury was arson.  

Emergency services were called to the 5G equipment on the corner of Queensway and the Bloxham Road on Wednesday evening at 10.49pm.

Three UK told Banbury FM their engineers visited the site yesterday (Thursday) and came to the conclusion the blaze was caused deliberately.   They have strongly condemned the attack, describing it as dangerous, putting people’s lives at risk and wasting the emergency service’s time.

An engine from Banbury Fire Station was sent to the scene but the fire had fully burnt out by the time they arrived.   The crew worked with police and the electricity company to make the area safe and isolate the power supply.

A section of Queensway was closed for part of Thursday as investigations at the scene took place.

A Three UK spokesperson told Banbury FM: “We would like to thank the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service for their quick response to a fire at one our masts in Banbury last night. Following investigation, we believe that this was caused by an arson attack on the site.   We strongly condemn dangerous attacks such as this which put people at risk and waste the time of emergency services that have to resolve them.

“Our engineers have visited the mast to check the equipment’s safety and integrity. We apologise to any customers who are experiencing issues as a result of the fire and are working to reinstate services as soon as possible.”

Following the fire the emergency services reported it as being caused by a fault.

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Published: 20/09/2024 06:00am by Banbury FM Newsteam

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