Haulier's truck sabotaged in 'fracking' protest

Aberdeen-based MGS Logistics has had a vehicle blockaded and then sabotaged under the noses of police yesterday (25 July) when it was caught up in anti-gas drilling protests in the sleepy village of Balcombe in Sussex yesterday.

Dozens of protesters prevented one MGS vehicle from delivering drilling equipment to a site run by gas and oil prospector Caudrilla Resources. A group from the self-styled 'Extreme Energy Action Network' then climbed onto the vehicle and the air lines were cut.

A spokesman for MGS who declined to give his name, said the protest had been anything but the friendly, peaceful event the organisers Frack Off had promised. “It's not friendly risking people's lives. It [the truck] could have run away and run over protesters. It has been reported to the police but the driver could not point out who did it.

“Protesters like this seem to be able to do what they want, but haulage companies protesting against fuel prices aren't allowed to do anything or they get arrested.”

Police failed to clear the blockade yesterday and the truck was forced to drive away from the site after a new air line was fitted. “It has cost us two or three days,” said the spokesman. “We came all the way from Holland with this load. It's costing us money.”

Sussex Police said they were investigating the incident.