THE company behind a controversial fracking site has been given a Site Warning by the Environment Agency (EA) for two permit breaches.

Third Energy, who have begun preparatory work at a site in Kirby Misperton, North Yorkshire, were visited unannounced by EA officers in October.

The officers found there was a breach in the company’s management system and operating procedures and in their surface water management operations.

Anti-fracking campaigners said this showed the company are flouting regulations put in place to ensure that fracking has minimal impact on the environment.

However, a spokesman for Third Energy pointed out that the EA itself stated in its recent newsletter that the breaches were minor and that they had ‘no physical impact on the environment’.

The EA report added: “We are now confident, following further visits, that the company has resolved these satisfactorily.”

Numerous ‘slow walk’ protests have been staged at the site in recent weeks and on Sunday night three men were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

The arrests came following reports of a group of people in camouflage clothing seen in fields near the site.

Officers then discovered that several holes had been cut in the perimeter fencing.

The three men were released under investigation on Monday evening while police enquiries into the incident continue.