Fracking firm worker's home attacked with petrol bombs in Northern Ireland

Anti-fracking protesters and politicians all condemned the attack.

Donal O'Cofaigh, a spokesman for the Belcoo Frack Free lobby group, said: "This attack is wrong and we condemn it. Such actions only undermine our goal of putting a halt to shale gas exploration.

"We ask those responsible to desist immediately. This action is not in our name."

Tom Elliott, Ulster Unionist Stormont Assembly member, said: "While many people, including myself, have concerns about the proposals to carry out fracking in Fermanagh, it does not justify terrorist-type campaigns against the process and those involved in it."

Tamboran said it knew the behaviour was "not reflective of the local people" and said that despite protests it had also received several hundred emails and requests from locals seeking job opportunities with the firm.

"Tamboran fully respects the right to peaceful protest," it added.

Campaigners have held a vigil by the drilling site. Tamboran, which has made clear it has no plans or permission to frack at this stage, has obtained a court injunction to stop demonstrators from getting close to the site.

Mark H Durkan, Northern Ireland's environment minister, has said that he will not allow fracking to take place unless "there is strong scientific evidence that it is safe for public health and the environment". He has said that "that evidence simply does not exist at this time".

more