Protesters have blocked access to a shale gas drilling site with a 1.5 ton wind turbine blade tied up with Christmas bow. A local activist group says the act is “symbolic” and the UK should be pursuing more environmentally-friendly energy sources.

The “early Christmas present” – as it has been dubbed by the activists – was placed in front of the test facility in Salford, Greater Manchester at 5.30 GMT on Monday morning and has blocked access to the site. This latest act of protest is the latest in a string of demonstrations, some of which have led to clashes with the police.