Nine people have been arrested at Aintree Racecourse after footage on ITV showed animal rights protesters climbing over a fence and running onto the track.
More than 100 protesters from activist group Animal Rising gathered at the racecourse today with the aim of bringing the 175th Grand National race to a halt.
Merseyside Police said a "large number" of protesters attempted to gain entry on to the course at around 5pm today, April 15. Nine people successfully breached the boundary fencing and entered the course, where at least two reportedly used glue and lock-on devices to attach themselves to jumps on the track.
READ MORE: Grand National delayed as animal rights protestors storm racecourse at Aintree
The Grand National was temporarily delayed as police officers moved in to arrest the protesters.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We are continuing to work 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."
In a statement, Animal Rising said its aim was to stop horses from potentially dying in the races.
Orla Coghlan, a spokesperson for the group, said: “The deaths throughout the Grand National event this weekend add to a heartbreaking list of horses to have died on racetracks this year. Animal Rising was trying to prevent precisely the harm that came to the horses during the race. We have begun a massive conversation about our relationship with animals and nature this weekend, hoping to prevent more harm from coming to these beautiful animals."
Two horses have died at this year's festival so far. Envoye Special suffered a fatal fall during the Foxhunters Chase on Thursday, and Dark Raven had to be put down after falling in the Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle this morning.
READ NEXT
Man, 20, killed after Audi collides with tree
Family plea as tributes paid to Hillsborough survivor who died after Paris chaos
Coronation Street's Helen Flanagan stuns in £215 Karen Millen dress
'I thought he was going to kill me so I pushed him out the window'
