Police will have increased powers during the Grand National festival this weekend.
Merseyside Police confirmed it has introduced a dispersal zone in Aintree, around Aintree Racecourse, for both Ladies Day and the Grand National.
The force posted on its social media channels about the zone being introduced ahead of thousands of people descending on the area. The order comes under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people who are engaging in antisocial behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents.
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Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item used in the commission of anti-social behaviour. Anyone who has previously been directed to leave the area and returns may ultimately be arrested.
The force said: "To help officers in tackling antisocial behaviour during this year's Aintree Festival a Dispersal Order will be in place from 12pm (midday) today, Friday 14 April 2023 Until 4am Sunday 16 April 2023. For full area covered see the attached map."
The sign up page for The Grand National 2024 is already available for those who want to get tickets for next year. Those who enter their details will be the first to hear about the tickets and can sign up here.
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