Two brother are facing accusations of setting fire to a number of 5G masts in Belfast
06:30, 29 Apr 2026Updated 08:07, 29 Apr 2026
A 5G mast on the Whiterock Road in west Belfast which was destroyed following an arson attack (Image: Jonathan Porter/PressEye)
Two brothers already facing accusations of setting fire to 5G masts have been charged with further offences, a court heard.
Giving evidence to Belfast Magistrates Court on Tuesday, a Detective Inspector revealed that “new evidence has been uncovered during the course of the investigation, that relates to similar offending around a number of 5G masts.”
Michael Clarke, 46, from the Monagh Road in the west of the city, is charged with two counts of arson of 5G masts, both alleged to have been committed on 1 June 2023, one at the Park Centre and another in the Owenvarragh area.
The defendant’s brother, 45-year-old Darren Clarke, of no fixed abode, is also in custody accused of setting fire to a mast on the Whiterock Road on 7 September last year.
According to the police case, two men are captured on CCTV approaching the 5G mast at Owenvarragh with one carrying a JD Sports bag.
As flames erupt from the mast the men run away, leaving the bag behind and that was seized to be forensically examined.
Around an hour and a half later, two individuals wearing the same clothing are captured on CCTV approaching the 5G mast at the Park Centre.
They use the same modus operandi of prising open the service hatch, pouring in an accelerant and then setting the mast alight, the court has heard.
Forensic examination of the JD Sports bag uncovered mixed DNA profiles from three males, but when that was sent for more extensive tests, the DNA profile of Michael Clarke was found on it.
When his home was searched earlier, investigators seized petrol cans, a key used to open mast service hatches, literature concerning the alleged dangers posed by 5G masts as well as legal guidelines on the crime of criminal damage and possible defences to it.
When Michael Clarke was interviewed, “he said that he was a freeman of the land” and although he refused to answer questions about the actual incident, a detective outlined how “he went on a bit of a rant that we will all be un-alived, unless we wake up.”
As regards the attacks themselves, the court has heard how 26 5G masts have been set on fire since June 2023, attacks which have cost at least £4 million in damage.
They have also negatively affected how people run their daily lives, including accessing healthcare and local services, police have said.
A statement from the police this morning (Tues), confirmed they have laid new charges against the brothers.
It is understood that Darren Clarke has been charged with eight counts of arson and conspiracy to commit arson, while Michael Clarke has been charged with arson and conspiracy to commit arson between 2023 and 2025.
In court on Tuesday, defence counsel told District Judge Peter Magill the brothers are due to appear in court on foot of the new charges on 26 May.
They suggested taking the current matters to that date and Judge Magill agreed, advising that the PPS and police should provide “a full update on progress.”
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