Police have arrested a 33-year-old woman on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance ahead of the Grand National.
The woman, who is from the London area, was arrested in Greater Manchester this morning (15 April), before the horse race kicks off this afternoon.
She has been linked to potential co-ordinated disruption at Aintree Racecourse, where about 30 animal rights activists have gathered outside the track, before the final day of the Grand National Festival.
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A statement from the police force said: “Merseyside Police has been working 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.”
The woman is now set to be questioned.
Activist group Animal Rising has made clear its plans to try and prevent the Grand National from going ahead today, with spokesperson Nathan McGovern describing how activists are set to 'periodically [block] Ormskirk Road, the access road to the front of the racecourse, to disrupt the entry to the venue throughout the day'.
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"The group of people at the front will be peacefully attempting to make their way over perimeter fences/walls at the front of Aintree before the Grand National race begins with the intention of making their way on to the track," McGovern continued.
"And all of this is before the race even starts. We will not be entering the track if there are horses and jockeys riding."
Dora Hargitai, a volunteer with the activist group, has expressed belief there can be 'non-violence on both sides', but added: “The race has to stop. Today and forever.”
Emily Brown