At least 12 phone masts have been attacked since the outbreak

More UK phone masts have been attacked following a series of arson incidents linked to false claims that 5G communications technology is linked to the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.

In the last 24 hours there have been four attacks on Vodafone’s mobile network, bringing the total number of incidents across the country including arson, attempted arson, criminal damage and vandalism to 20.

Last week fires were reported at masts at Sparkhill in Birmingham, north Belfast, Atherton in Greater Manchester and Aintree in Liverpool.

Conspiracy theories are “fanning the flames” on social media PA

The latest attacks targeted two sites owned by Vodafone and others shared with O2. Vodafone said it would not identify the locations.

EE, O2, Three and Vodafone issued a joint statement saying that stopping the attacks is critical to keeping communities