AT least 20 cellular base stations have been torched and damaged in Britain following claims that 5G networks could spread the coronavirus, reported the Sputnik news agency quoting The Guardian.

There has been a series of attacks on phone masts in Liverpool and West Midlands over the past few days.

Due to the technology’s slow roll-out in the country, many of the vandalised base stations are not supporting 5G.

The Guardian said MobileUK, a group that brings together Britain’s four key mobile networks, published an open letter calling for a stop to the attacks.

“We have experienced cases of vandals setting fire to mobile masts, disrupting critical infrastructure, and spreading false information suggesting a connection between 5G and the Covid-19 pandemic. There is no scientific evidence of any link between 5G and the coronavirus. Fact.

“Please, help us make this stop. If you witness abuse of our key workers, please report it. If you see misinformation, please call it out. Your help will make a real difference.” – Bernama, April 7, 2020.