CAMPAIGNERS protesting over the actions of an anti fracking group cleared of offences by magistrates say their behaviour was 'irresponsible, indulgent and dangerous.'

Members of the Kirby Misperton Protest Camp, who occupied a drilling rig at the Ryedale fracking site celebrated last week after criminal damage charges against them were dismissed. But community group Ryedale Against Anti Social Protesters said they were horrified.

A spokesman said: "They wilfully endangered the work force, police and local residents on the night they broke through the compound security fence, climbed the work over rig and lit flares on a live gas well site.

"They are faceless' to our community we don’t even recognise them let alone know their names. They showed utter contempt for the safety of our families, children and friends living and working in the locality. Their actions could have ended in injury or the loss of life as many locals feared."

RAASP say their group has differing opinions on shale gas but are united in opposing the anti-social actions of the anti-fracking protesters and their negative affect on the community. The spokesman added:" We stand back in disbelief, despair and disillusionment that our safety and genuine concerns are being ignored by the authorities and no protections are being offered for our rights when the protesters return, as they have vowed to do this autumn."