A GROUP of four women have been arrested after lying on the ground blockading the gates to the 'KM8' site.

The group arrived in the early hours, deployed two 'lock on' devices - heavy metal tubes - and then locked their arms inside.

They have since been cut out and arrested.

Police said: "Two people were cut out at about 11.45am and the remaining two at 1.15pm.

"All four were checked over by police medics before being taken to custody."

There are reports of cheers of jubilation from the protestors  - as the blockade meant the fracking site was closed for over 7 hours.

The Kirby Misperton Protectors group said that this brings the total lock-on time to over 19 hours this week, and "spirits on the frontline are high".

The women said they wanted to draw attention to the global implications of the fracking industry, and the impact that the UK government's "outdated and irresponsible" policy of pursuing fossil fuels will have on climate change.

One of the women, Barbara, said: "We are here to support the local community, but we are also here in defence of the generations to come across the globe.

"Companies like Third Energy are spearheading this industry in the UK, and we call on them to reconsider their actions. People and Planet before Profit!"

Superintendent Alisdair Dey, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "The actions of these people will cause significant disruption to local businesses.

"It's a challenge to balance the the right of people to assemble and protest peacefully, against the right of people to go about their daily lives without disruption.

"However, when the balance tips from peaceful protest to deliberate, unlawful acts that cause unreasonable disruption to others - including companies going about their lawful business - then we need to take action."