A RYEDALE road, which was closed for several hours this morning, has been re-opened.

Habton Road outside Kirby Misperton had been blocked since around 6.30am after two anti-fracking protestors locked themselves into a device and lay down in the middle of the road.

Police closed the road to traffic for several hours, until the protestors - both 40-year-old women - were cut free at about 9.15am.

They were arrested on suspicion of obstructing the highway.

Earlier, at 8.30am, a 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, and obstructing a police officer, on Habton Road.

At around 4.30pm, police added that there had been three other arrests during the day.

A 29-year-old woman was arrested at about 11.30am on suspicion of obstructing the highway and obstructing a police officer, and a 38-year-old woman was arrested at about 12.25pm on suspicion of obstructing a police officer.

Police also said that a 53-year-old man was arrested at about 2.25pm, on Habton Road, Kirby Misperton, after "a suspected bullet was seized". They added he was arrested "on suspicion of possessing ammunition for a firearm".

The six arrested people remain in custody.

The day also saw two 20-minute peaceful protests at the entrance to the site.

Police said that protestors requested a 20-minute ‘hold’ at the gate at 1.10pm, which was facilitated by officers.

A number of lorries left the site just after 1.30pm.

And at 3.15pm, protestors carried out a ‘slow walk’ protest in front of two lorries. Those vehicles also left without incident at 3.35pm. Habton Road was kept open to passing traffic throughout.