Arrest made in animal rights plot to disrupt Grand National

A woman has been arrested in connection with a plan by animal rights activists to disrupt the Grand National at Aintree racecourse

Saturday 15 April 2023 12:05 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A woman was arrested in connection with a plan by animal rights activists to disrupt the Grand National at Aintree racecourse on Saturday.

Merseyside Police said the 33-year-old London-area woman was arrested on “suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance.”

The group Animal Rising had called on protesters to gather outside the racecourse to demand an end to “animal cruelty for entertainment.”

The woman was arrested Saturday morning in the Greater Manchester area “in connection with potential co-ordinated disruption activities” at Aintree, police said. Her name was not publicly disclosed.

“She is currently in custody where she will be questioned by officers,” the police statement said.

Police said they have been working with race organizers ahead of and during the Grand National Festival.

“We are aware of some people planning to protest at the event,” a police spokesperson said. “This has been factored into our plans. We respect the right to peaceful protest and expression of views, but criminal behavior and disorder will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.”

___

AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Arrest made in animal rights plot to disrupt Grand National

A woman has been arrested in connection with a plan by animal rights activists to disrupt the Grand National at Aintree racecourse

Arrest made in animal rights plot to disrupt Grand National

Thank you for registering