Militant animal rights activists CLOSE the M57 motorway near Aintree by gluing themselves to road
Now militant animal rights activists are closing the M57 motorway at Aintree by gluing to the road after ‘Animal Rising’ protesters posed as fans storming the Grand National
- Animal rights activists closed the entire highway in protest against horse racing
- The police were on the scene and allegedly arrested protesters glued to the ground
Animal rights activists who delayed the start of the Grand National earlier today have also blocked the M57 motorway by sticking to the road in protest at the event.
Members of Animal Rising, formerly known as Animal Rebellion, closed the road while others tried to access the Aintree compound.
At the racecourse, protesters posing as fans ran onto the racecourse and tried to glue themselves to one of the jumps, while others tried to climb fences with ladders.
North West Motorway Police said on Twitter: ‘We’ve had a number of people sit on the M57 at Junction 2 northbound – the motorway is closed.’
Merseyside Police have confirmed that 118 people have been arrested in connection with the disturbance at Aintree.
Members of Animal Rising blocked the highway around 5 p.m. Saturday
Police have detained a total of 118 people in connection with disruption to the racecourse and highway
National Highways said traffic in both directions on the highway — between junctions one and two — was halted shortly before 5:15 p.m., but the southbound roadway was reopened at 6 p.m. and northbound traffic was diverted through a ramp.
There were delays of over an hour on the road, which runs from the M62 to Aintree.
Photos showed protesters wearing pink T-shirts on the roadway.
Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Paul White said: ‘Today, as you have seen, there has been a considerable outcry in connection with the running of the Grand National.
“This started earlier this morning, there were some protests outside and that resulted earlier today at about 5pm with a lot of people trying to get onto the track, which we, in conjunction with the event organizers, and members of the public as well, I mostly managed to pull over and eventually the event took place – albeit with a slight delay.’
He said protesters tried to access the track from a number of points on the opposite side of the track.
He continued, “There were significant numbers. What I can tell you is that 118 people have been arrested today in connection with both criminal damage and public disturbance – and of course we will deal with them.’
He said the number included pre-race preventive arrests and arrests related to the protest on the M57, where activists clung to the roadway.
Our Power ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies in action during the Randox Grand National Handicap Chase during day three of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse
He added: ‘The perimeter of the track is four to five kilometers long, so you know, that’s a significant resource needed to try and cover every area of that.
“We have put in place a proportional policing plan and overall we have been able to stop the vast majority from entering the track, a small number did enter the track but very quickly they were removed, again in coordination with the event organizer , private security guards and police officers and employees.’
A spokesman for Aintree Racecourse said: ‘We respect the right to peaceful protest but sincerely hope that Animal Rising will reflect on whether their proposed actions are legitimate and responsible.
Their actions could endanger the horses they claim to protect, as well as the jockeys, officials and themselves.
“As you would expect, we work closely with Merseyside Police to ensure we protect the safety and enjoyment of everyone, including all participants, human or horse, at the Grand National.”
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.