A major road on the outskirts of Preston has been closed due to an anti-fracking protest.

Campaigners who want to stop Cuadrilla drilling for shale gas at Preston New Road have broken through fencing and onto the site.

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Lancashire Police has officers in the area to deal with the protest and all traffic is stopped on the A583 between Peel Hill and Westby Road. The road re-opened around 4.30pm on Saturday.

A national day of anti-fracking action has been taking place at Maple Farm.

Around 150 of the protestors are currently within the Cuadrilla site according to police.

Read more: Police issue warning after anti-fracking protest

A statement from Lancashire Police said: “Those engaged in the behaviour are largely thought to be from outside the area and not from the local protest groups.

“A significant policing response was required to prevent disorder while maintaining the right of those who wished to protest lawfully. This was done calmly and professionally by the officers involved.

“No arrests have been made at this time, although an investigation will follow to identify any criminality.

“Our approach is always to ensure a consistent and coordinated policing response and ensure a balance between the rights of people to lawfully protest, together with the rights of the wider public, including local businesses, to go about their lawful activities.

“We aim to prevent, where possible, crime and disorder, but where it does occur we will provide an effective, lawful and proportionate response.”

Stagecoach say the 61 service is being diverted due to the road closure. Going to the M55 between Wesham and Martin Circular roundabout.