Grand National police praise Aintree crowds

There was a great atmosphere throughout the three-day festival, police said

Police have thanked the "overwhelming majority" of racegoers who created such a "fantastic atmosphere" at the Grand National Festival.

Almost 60,000 racegoers were at Aintree Racecourse on Merseyside for the final day of the event.

Merseyside Police said there were six arrests on Saturday, bringing the total over the entire festival to 14.

I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend, stormed clear of the field to win the flagship steeplechase.

The Randox Grand National is one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar and is watched by an international television audience of about 800m people.

Police said arrests included a man held on suspicion of sexual touching, a woman arrested on suspicion of assault, two men arrested on suspicion of assault of a constable in the execution of their duty, and a man and woman arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

On Friday, eight men were arrested, including four on suspicion of affray and two men on suspicion of assault.

Paul Townend celebrating his Grand National win aboard I Am Maximus

Ch Insp Iain Wyke said: "Merseyside has welcomed huge crowds at Aintree this week and I would like to thank the racegoers for enjoying themselves safely and responsibly and helping make it another successful event for the region.

"During the course of the three days our officers have enjoyed engaging with racegoers and ensuring their safety, and we are pleased to report there was a great atmosphere throughout."