Business leaders have condemned graffiti scrawled on the windows of Cuadrilla’s offices in Bamber Bridge.

Based off Sceptre Way the firm which is carrying out shale gas exploration – known as fracking – at Preston New Road had staff arrive to the word ‘scum’ written across the windows.

Chief executive of Cuadrilla Francis Egan told Business Lancashire: “This pathetic, mindless stunt in vandalising our head office highlights the intimidation and criminal tactics frequently resorted to by anti-fracking activists. The rational basis for their opposition is as lacking as their respect for the law or for others.

“We are getting on with our work developing shale gas for the benefit of Lancashire and the UK and will be supporting the Police in investigating this criminal act.”

Read more: Viewing area added to the Preston New Road site

Lancashire Police confirmed they had been notified about the graffiti.

Chief executive of the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce Babs Murphy said: “We condemn this act of criminal damage at Cuadrilla’s Bamber Bridge offices. Lancashire businesses will not be intimidated by such desperate tactics and those responsible only discredit their cause.”