POLICE have arrested three men on suspicion of criminal damage at the Kirby Misperton fracking site.

Officers attended after receiving a report of a group of people in dark camouflage clothing running through fields near Kirby Misperton at about 10pm on Sunday night.

After a search of the area, the officers found three men near the fence surrounding the hydraulic fracturing site.

A number of holes had been cut in the fence.

The men, aged 27, 34 and 43, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

The 43-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of resisting a police officer and a public order offence.

All three were taken into police custody.

Meanwhile, anti-fracking campaigners are continuing their activity at the site, with a 'slow walk' protest hindering vehicles leaving the work site on Monday morning.

A group of about ten protesters walked in the middle of Habton Road in front of three vehicles - a lorry-mounted crane and two tankers - after they had left the hydraulic fracturing site at 10.35am.

After about 20 minutes, the lorries continued on their way.

Police Liaison Officers worked with protesters to facilitate the peaceful protest activity.

Superintendent Lindsey Robson, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "Every day, officers will engage with the protest community, and clearly explain what is safe and reasonable.

"We will support and protect those engaged in peaceful protest, while at the same time balancing the rights of others to go about their lawful business."