Further 20 charged over Grand National protests

Police said the new charges relate to protests that took place nearer to Aintree racecourse

A further 20 people have been charged over animal rights protests which took place near Aintree racecourse in 2023.

Demonstrations were held on roads and a motorway ahead of the Grand National race on 15 April, Merseyside Police said.

Twenty people are facing charges of intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance.

They will appear at Sefton Magistrates' Court on 14 and 28 August.

Ten others were previously charged with highway offences after activists allegedly blocked the M57 and another road.

Police arrested 118 people on the day of the race, after the disruption saw the Grand National start 14 minutes later than its scheduled time.

Protests also led to significant traffic delays in the area, the force said.

The 175th Grand National was won by Corach Rambler, ridden by Derek Fox.

One horse, Hill Sixteen, died after falling at the first fence, meaning there were three horse deaths at the 2023 meeting overall.