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Snatch squads arrest protesters

Police are tonight facing growing criticism that they've been too heavy handed dealing with campaigners at the anti-fracking demonstration at Balcombe, in West Sussex.

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MP Francis Maude's reaction to protests

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. "

My constituents in Balcombe are entitled to have their voices heard and their concerns addressed by the regulators. The company also have a right to carry out an activity which has been subjected to the full rigour of regulatory scrutiny. As for the demonstration at Gough House, this was one of the most pointless exercises I have come across. The only effect was to cause distress and hassle to our hardworking dedicated team, and to waste even more police time and precious resources."

– Francis Maude, Local MP for Sussex
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Snatch squads arrest protesters

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