The M57 is closed, with protestors sitting on the motorway, after protests derailed the nearby Grand National earlier in the afternoon.
The start of the race had been delayed after protestors gained access to the grounds at Aintree racecourse. Police were called to intervene, with the runners and riders eventually getting underway after a delay.
Animal Rising protestors had attempted to climb a fence, with footage picked up on ITV's broadcast. A number of individuals were also seen attempting to tie themselves to fences and jumps, and statements have been issued after the disruption to the afternoon's events at Aintree.
According to The Echo, citing North West Motorway Police, protestors are sat at junction 2 northbound.
"All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to demonstration on M57 in both directions from J1 M62 J6 (Tarbock Island) to J2 A57 Liverpool Road (Prescot)," a statement from traffic management group Inrix read. The protestors are, according to these same reports, believed to be connected to the Grand National protests.
Individuals wearing pink clothing were seen sat on the motorway. The M57, in Merseyside, is 10 miles in length in total, and the Echo reports that some have attempted to glue themselves to the road.
"As a society, most of us would proudly consider ourselves to be animal lovers," a statement from Animal Rising read. "But there are industries that exist and thrive in the UK today that are not displaying this love for animals, and in fact are causing many of them unnecessary and prolonged suffering.
"Horses forced to compete in events such as the Grand National are made to endure repeated whipping and run in dangerous, 'high-risk' events where they may face injury or death. Since 2000, 55 horses have died at the Aintree racecourse, including 15 from the Grand National itself.
"Despite this, research has shown that the majority of attendees of horseracing events like the Grand National are primarily motivated by the social aspect of the event, rather than anything to do with the races themselves. This means that horses are forced to suffer and risk their lives for a part of the event that most attendees are at best indifferent to. These beautiful animals are simply suffering for tradition - and for the gambling industry."
