Concern after 'conspiracy theory' 5G flyers posted around Hartlepool coast

A Hartlepool resident removed more than a dozen of the leaflets that had been put up at various locations along the length of the sea wall.

They claim new 5G wireless technology is unsafe and can cause increased risks of cancer and neurological conditions.

There has been a recent increase in unsubstantiated conspiracy theories online linking 5G to the outbreak of he coronavirus.

The Headland resident, who does not wish to be named for fear of reprisals, said: “The signs were cable tied to various locations along the sea wall; railings, safety fences, lamp posts, sometimes obscuring official council signs and signs telling people they can't drive here.

“I took down about 15 leaflets the full length of the sea wall from end to end.

“I feel strongly against the ideas of conspiracy theorists. They are unsubstantiated and are trying to exploit people's fear in a time when communities should be coming together.

“Little kids should not be looking at scaremongering posters with skulls on them and outrageous claims that the government are aiding genocide.

“I would ask anybody who sees people putting up these signs to report it to the police.”

There have been reports of phone masts being attacked after theories spread online suggesting the rollout of 5G was linked to the Covid-19 outbreak.

MPs have called on social media companies to be held to account for the spread of such theories online.

Last week Ofcom ruled that a radio station had breached its rules after one of its guests suggested the Covid-19 outbreak was caused by the rollout of 5G mobile technology.

The theory has been discredited by experts. Brendan Wren, professor of microbial pathogenesis at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said such a link would be ‘a physical and biological impossibility’.

5G protestors claim the technology will substantially increase exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields which they believe are harmful to people and the environment.

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