Stanlow was at the centre of the last national fuel protest

National fuel protests five years ago were sparked by a blockade at the site but no protestors were seen there early on Wednesday morning.

Fuel supplies appeared to be moving freely, with a number of tankers having left the refinery.

There were also no reported protests at the fuel distribution centre in Trafford Park, Greater Manchester.

A large police presence is expected to remain at Stanlow until Friday in an effort to keep fuel supplies moving.

'Breaking the law'

Cheshire Chief Constable Peter Fahy had said supplies would not be affected.

He said: "We've learnt a lot of lessons from five years ago. We have had a lot of discussions with the petrol companies, there are very well developed plans in place.

"We are very clear that we are happy for people who want to protest against fuel prices but we don't want that to escalate into people blocking the road or breaking the law."

He added that the force was ready to react appropriately to any protests.