Grand National: Ten people charged after M57 protest

The start of this year's Grand National was delayed by protests

Ten people have been charged with highway offences after animal rights activists blocked the M57 and another road before this year's Grand National.

Protesters are alleged to have blocked access for vehicles near junction 2 of the motorway, causing significant disruption in the area around Aintree racecourse on 15 April.

A second demo took place on Wango Lane.

A further protest on the racecourse that delayed the race's start is still under investigation, police said.

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

Horse deaths

Nine people have been charged with wilful obstruction of a highway while a 10th person has been charged with stopping/causing a vehicle to remain at rest on a carriageway of a motorway.

They have all been released on bail and are due to attend various courts on either 22 November or 20 December.

Det Ch Inspector Ben Dyer said an investigation into events at the Aintree racecourse was ongoing, adding: "If you have any information, please get in touch."

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.

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