Snatch squads arrest protesters

It's the sixth and final day of the Reclaim the Power Action camp set up in Balcombe. One thousand protesters joined anti-fracking campaigners in the West Sussex village. Two days of direct action saw 29 arrests including the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, Caroline Lucas.

Click video. Police are tonight facing growing criticism that they've been too heavy handed dealing with campaigners at the anti-fracking demonstration at Balcombe. Snatch squads were out today arresting activists identified during yesterday's protest. Malcolm Shaw reports.

Sussex MP Francis Maude has released a statement following the protests outside his office yesterday.

He said: "I'm sorry that the genuine concerns and peaceful protests of Balcombe residents have been drowned out by illegal direct action by organisations who have no direct interest in the locality. "

Anti-fracking protesters were surrounded by police today as they linked arms in front of a lorry making its way to the gates of the Cuadrilla site in Balcombe, West Sussex.

The protest has so far remained peaceful, despite an earlier arrest of a woman.

Anti-fracking campaign group No Dash For Gas said they have no plans for a second day of action, although groups of people may protest outside the drilling site in Balcombe, West Sussex.

Sussex Police has made an arrest during anti-fracking protests in Balcombe, West Sussex.

Protesters have turned out for a second day of direct action at the drilling site in Balcombe, West Sussex, demonstrating against fracking.

Green Party MP Caroline Lucas was among more than 30 people arrested when anti-fracking campaigners staged a series of protests around the country on Monday.

One lorry has already entered the site at Balcombe in West Sussex, with demonstrators marching in front as it made its way down the road.

Sussex Police has responded to campaign group Frack Off, after it posted a picture of police dressed in riot gear at the drilling site in Balcombe, West Sussex.