Phone mast illegally cut down in Tyrone

A telecommunications mast has been illegally cut down in County Tyrone

A telecommunications mast has been illegally cut down in County Tyrone. The Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) mast, which stood in the Upper Cranlome Road area of Ballygawley, was taken yesterday evening.

A number of residents in the area are understood to blame the mast for an increase in cancer-related illnesses in the area.

A NIB spokeswoman said the vandals had put themselves at risk and left the company's communication system vulnerable.

The mast is also used by a number of mobile telephone operators. Police in Dungannon are investigating the incident.