Activists have staged an animal-themed invasion of a public relations firm to protest against fracking.

Around 40 environmental campaigners from Reclaim the Power dressed as animals, threw leaves, spread manure and sprayed ink during the occupation of Bell Pottinger’s offices.

The group said they targeted the firm because it previously helped protect Cuadrilla’s reputation following an earthquake allegedly caused by fracking in Blackpool in 2011.

Bell Pottinger also currently represents Centrica, a major fracking investor in the UK.

The protest marks the end of two weeks of direct action from Reclaim the Power, during which time at least 17 separate events took place against the shale gas industry and its supply chain.

Kim Bishop, one of the Reclaim the Power protestors, said: “This is the year that the fight against fracking intensifies.

“With the government not listening to the overwhelming opposition to fracking, people are having to stop it themselves. Now is the time to escalate action and call on suppliers to break their links with this industry nobody wants.”

The Scottish Government is inviting views from the public on the future of fracking in Scotland.