Surrey Police have preempted plans by the Animal Rising group to disrupt the Epsom Derby by making 19 arrests on the morning of the race.
A complete of 11 individuals have been arrested in the early hours of Saturday at addresses in Mitcham and Byfleet following intelligence-based warrants, whereas an additional eight have been detained after a automobile was stopped at the again of the racecourse on Canons Lane in Burgh Heath at 10.20am.
The race doesn’t begin till 1.30pm however the Jockey Club, who personal the Epsom course, have taken out a High Court injunction in opposition to protesters making an attempt to storm the course or disrupt the race after the Grand National was delayed in April.
Animal Rising have repeatedly vowed to cease or delay the 244th version of the Derby, prompting the Jockey Club to spend an extra £150,000 on an unprecedented safety operation.
Protecting the Epsom Downs web site poses main challenges due to its simple accessibility to the public and the 19 protesters have been all arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance. They stay in police custody.
High perimeter fencing was evident round the again of the course, together with in the woods of Epsom Downs, in addition to police spotters and extra non-public safety.
The ‘official’ protest instantly exterior of the racecourse was attended by round 40 activists, with Animal Rising campaigners utilizing a loud speaker to spotlight its need to “repair our connection” with animals and to disrupt “outdated animal racing events”.
“We have been clear in our approach that criminal activity will not be tolerated at the Epsom Derby Festival,” mentioned Supt Michael Hodder of Surrey Police. “As a result of intelligence, we have arrested 19 people who we believe were intent on illegally disrupting today’s events. Our officers will be at the event throughout the day to continue in keeping the public safe and preventing criminality.”
An Animal Rising assertion on Saturday highlighted reviews of facial recognition cameras round Epsom Downs and claimed that the arrests have been “another example of how the Government is attempting to outlaw all protests and ignore critical societal issues”. It additionally restated its need to disrupt the world’s most well-known flat-race.
“We are seeing an intensive policing operation to protect the interests of a multi-billion pound industry that the majority of the public, as a nation of animal lovers, recognise as cruel to horses,” mentioned Dan Kidby, co-founder of Animal Rising.