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Three people arrested amid animal rights protest at Grand National Nine arrested amid animal rights protest at Grand National
(about 5 hours later)
Police say suspects held on conspiracy to cause public nuisance as activists gather at Aintree racecourse Activists breached security fences at Aintree racecourse with at least two glueing themselves to a jump
Police have arrested three people at Aintree racecourse ahead of the Grand National. Nine people were arrested at Aintree Racecourse after a large number of protesters attempted to gain entry to the track – delaying the start of the Grand National, Merseyside police has said.
A 25-year-old woman from London was detained outside the venue at about 11.20am on Saturday while a man was arrested around 30 minutes later. They were both arrested on suspicion of conspirapy to cause public nuisance. Dozens of activists climbed fences at Aintree, with at least two affixing themselves to a jump using glue and lock-on devices, climate and animal rights group Animal Rising said.
Another woman, aged 33, was arrested earlier on Saturday on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance, in connection with potential co-ordinated disruption activities at the racecourse in Merseyside. The woman, from London, was arrested in the Greater Manchester area, police said. The protesters breached security fences as National runners were in the parade ring, causing a delay of 12 minutes.
A force spokesperson said: “Merseyside police have been working with the Jockey Club and other partners to keep people safe during the Grand National festival. Merseyside police said that nine individuals who managed to enter the course were arrested.
“We are aware of some people planning to protest at the event. This has been factored into our plans. We respect the right to peaceful protest and expression of views, but criminal behaviour and disorder will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.” The force said: “Just after 5pm, a large number of protesters attempted to gain entry on to the course. The majority were prevented from breaching the boundary fencing, but the nine individuals who managed to enter the course were later arrested by officers.”
About 30 animal rights protesters gathered outside Aintree racecourse on Saturday morning. Sarah McCaffrey, a shopworker and student – and one of those disrupting the track, said: “Whether it’s for food or for fun, our use of animals and nature is symbolic of a relationship beyond broken.
The annual Grand National race is due to start at 5.15pm. “We’re a nation of animal lovers, but the pain these beautiful creatures experience daily does not do that label justice. We need to find ways of loving animals that don’t hurt them.
“I truly believe that we are a nation of animal lovers, every one of us. I know everyone coming to Aintree to view the races today would say they love the horses; however, the suffering experienced by them should shock us all.
“That’s why I’ve decided to put my body between those horses and death on the racecourse, rather than gamble with their lives.”
The favourite, Corach Rambler, ultimately won the race.