Concerns have been raised after seven protesters at the Woodburn site near Carrickfergus in Co Antrim were threatened with CS spray over the weekend.

'Stop the Drill' campaigners gathered at the site over concerns the drilling by Infrastrata may affect the drinking water in the area.

Green Party Leader Steven Agnew confirmed he has written to PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton after the activists were arrested on "what is apparently a public right of way".

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Mr Agnew said: "I would like to know which law(s) are being upheld in such incidents. When I spoke to the Inspector present at Woodburn, he indicated that it is not for the PSNI to adjudicate on whether the fencing erected by Infrastrata is permitted. However, in helping Infrastrata maintain their barrier to access, surely that is exactly what the PSNI are doing.

"There is a strong feeling that the PSNI is acting as second security force for Intrastata and is not protecting the public from alleged assaults by Infrastrata security personnel.

"I believe that a Police Liaison Officer should be put in place to communicate with activists and I have asked the Chief Constable if he intends to do so."

(CD/MH)