Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Wesley Holmes

Nine people arrested at Aintree Racecourse

Nine people have been arrested at Aintree Racecourse after footage on ITV showed animal rights protesters climbing over a fence and running onto the track.

More than 100 protesters from activist group Animal Rising gathered at the racecourse today with the aim of bringing the 175th Grand National race to a halt.

Merseyside Police said a "large number" of protesters attempted to gain entry on to the course at around 5pm today, April 15. Nine people successfully breached the boundary fencing and entered the course, where at least two reportedly used glue and lock-on devices to attach themselves to jumps on the track.

READ MORE: Grand National delayed as animal rights protestors storm racecourse at Aintree

The Grand National was temporarily delayed as police officers moved in to arrest the protesters.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We are continuing to work with The Jockey Club and other partners to keep people safe during the Grand National Festival.

“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."

In a statement, Animal Rising said its aim was to stop horses from potentially dying in the races.

Orla Coghlan, a spokesperson for the group, said: “The deaths throughout the Grand National event this weekend add to a heartbreaking list of horses to have died on racetracks this year. Animal Rising was trying to prevent precisely the harm that came to the horses during the race. We have begun a massive conversation about our relationship with animals and nature this weekend, hoping to prevent more harm from coming to these beautiful animals."

Two horses have died at this year's festival so far. Envoye Special suffered a fatal fall during the Foxhunters Chase on Thursday, and Dark Raven had to be put down after falling in the Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle this morning.

READ NEXT

Man, 20, killed after Audi collides with tree

Family plea as tributes paid to Hillsborough survivor who died after Paris chaos

Coronation Street's Helen Flanagan stuns in £215 Karen Millen dress

'I thought he was going to kill me so I pushed him out the window'

Mum saved from knife wielding ex by loyal dog

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.