More than 100 arrested after protesters storm Grand National and delay race

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “This began earlier this morning, there’s been a number of protests outside and then that resulted earlier on today at about 5pm with numerous people trying to incur onto the course, which we, in partnership with the event organisers, and members of the public as well, have managed in the main to stop and and ultimately the event took place – albeit with a slight delay.” He said protesters tried to access the course from a number of points at the far side of the track, but were removed “swiftly”. “We put a proportionate policing plan in place and, by and large, we were able to stop the vast majority entering onto the course, a small number did get onto the course, but, very quickly, they were removed, again in partnership with the event organiser, private security and police officers and staff.” Mr White said 118 people were arrested for criminal damage and public nuisance offences, including some pre-emptively held before the race, and others over a protest on the M57 where activists glued themselves to the carriageway. “That’s why I’ve decided to put my body between those horses and death on the racecourse, rather than gamble with their lives.” These actions show that the police are spending more time chasing peaceful protestors than addressing the real issues that exist, such as our broken relationship with animals and the climate emergency Nathan McGovern, Animal Rising spokesperson Campaign group Animal Aid said jump racing should be banned after Hill Sixteen suffered a broken neck at the first fence in the Grand National and was put down. Nathan McGovern, spokesperson for Animal Rising, said: “These actions show that the police are spending more time chasing peaceful protestors than addressing the real issues that exist, such as our broken relationship with animals and the climate emergency.” A police dispersal zone was put in place around the racecourse amid the threat of disruption.