BAILIFFS and police have led anti-fracking protesters away from the Crawberry Hill camp in East Yorkshire today after twice warning them they would be arrested if they failed to leave.
The protesters sang Yellow Submarine and Give Peace A Chance moments before police moved in to lead them away.
Humberside Police confirmed six arrests have been made.
Rathlin Energy UK successfully applied at the High Court for a possession order this week to claim back land the protesters had occupied at Crawberry Hill, near Walkington, and West Newton in Holderness.
A tower built by the protesters at Crawberry Hill has been taken down by bailiffs.
The protesters took over the entrance to the oil and gas exploration site in May to block and monitor Rathlin's operation.
Humberside Police have closed Walkington Heads, where the camp is based.
Walkington campaigner Jonathan Mager, a former director of education and children's services at East Riding Council, said he was disappointed to see the site being dismantled.
"There are a mixture of local people and protectors here," he said.
"The bailiffs have finished demolishing the wooden construction that was across the gateway. The bailiffs have a waste lorry but, at the moment, people are peacefully holding hands, singing and chanting across the gateway.
"We are trying to explain this is a peaceful protest. We expected this to happen after the court ruling, but it is very disappointing."
A police spokesman said: "Our officers are currently assisting bailiffs and protesters in a bid to facilitate a peaceful protest while the site is being cleared at Crawberry Hill as per the High Court Injunction which was granted on Tuesday, July 29, 2014.
"There have been a number of protesters who have been arrested at the site and they have been taken to a police station where they will be processed.
"An operation of this nature requires a fluid policing response as officers strive to keep everyone safe whilst minimising the disruption caused to the local community.
"In line with the policies of Humberside Police, any offences allegedly committed will be dealt with proportionately, taking into account the severity of the incident and other operational demands."
Rathlin has always maintained it has no intention of fracking – a way of breaking up shale rock to release natural gas – at Crawberry Hill or in West Newton.
A text alert was sent out by protesters shortly before 10am which read: "ALERT!!!! BALIFFS AT CRAWBERRY WITH POLICE PRESENCE ATTEND NOW!!!!!!!!!! URGENT URGENT URGENT!!!!!!!!"
The Humberside Police command centre later tweeted: "Due to an ongoing police incident, road closures have been put in place at the following junctions. Wold Road and Walkington Heads.
"Also Dale Gate and Walkington Heads near Crawberry Hill in the East Riding. Motorists should avoid area until closures are lifted."The protesters have been broadcasting live from the Crawberry Hill site. Watch the video feed below, or via this link.
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