THE director of a company targeted by anti-fracking protestors has spoken out against what he says is increasing levels of intimidation and harassment used by some campaigners.

Third Energy have been carrying out preparatory work at the Kirby Misperton well-site since September and their operations have been repeatedly disrupted by protestors.

This has included people climbing on top of lorries, slow walks in front of site vehicles and rallies attended by campaigners and green politicians from across the country.

On Thursday, a special hearing at York Magistrates’ Court heard lawyers representing 36 anti-fracking protectors arrested in recent months argue that their clients broke no law when they caused “reasonable and proportionate” disruption to the company.

But following the alleged poisoning of a guard dog at the site on Monday, Alan Linn, director for Third Energy, has issued a plea for protestors to cease what he says are unlawful actions.

He said: “Over recent weeks, our employees and contractors have been subjected to a marked increase in intimidating and harassing behaviour from a minority of protestors near our Kirby Misperton production facility.

“We have always respected people’s right to engage in lawful and peaceful protest and we also believe that our employees and contractors should not be subjected to extremely abusive language; threats of violence and constant harassment, leading them to fear for their safety.”

Mr Linn said that the company now employs round-the-clock security to protect people working at the site from a ‘small hardcore’ of non-local protestors.