Four people have been arrested following a protest at a site in north Nottinghamshire undergoing test drilling for fracking.
Two people were cut free by officers on after locking themselves to what appeared to be a concrete pipe at the entrance to the site, off Tinker Lane, near Blyth, early on Thursday morning (November 8).
A number of other people took part in a protest at the gates, holding placards and shouting in support of the people locked together.
Notts Police said two men aged 31 and 45 were arrested on suspicion of obstruction.
A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of breaching the peace and a 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence.
Energy firm IGas has planning permission from Nottinghamshire County Council to drill a test well at the site to take geological samples. The work is part of the process of assessing whether or not the area is suitable for fracking.
IGas said in a statement: “We have been delivering equipment to site ahead of drilling the well in the fourth quarter of 2018.
“Whilst we respect the right to peaceful and lawful protest we will not hesitate to protect the rights of our employees, contractors, suppliers and the wider community to go about their lawful business unimpeded.”
Protester Li Dobs said: “Because local democracy is failing the people are taking action.”
Fracking involves the hydraulic fracturing of rocks by pumping water and chemicals at high pressure to release gas to be used for energy.
Supporters say it can create energy at low cost and create jobs, but many environmental campaigners have opposed it, saying it can harm wildlife and cause pollution.
