'Ring of steel' to protect National from protesters

Armed and undercover police aim to stop re-run of activists’ chaos

- Chris Riches

THE Grand National will be protected by a "ring of steel" as undercover crowd behaviour experts mingle with racing fans.

Police have pledged a huge security operation, including armed officers, after last year's race was held up for 14 minutes by activists some locking themselves to the Aintree jumps as onlookers helped to counter the Animal Rising demo.

Police arrested 118 protesters but trainer Sandy Thomson blamed activists for the death of his horse Hill Sixteen which fell at the first after going "hyper" at the delays.

Animal Rising says it has suspended race demos but police want Saturday's racegoers to stay alert.

Strict

Merseyside Police's Supt Matthew Moscrop said a major security operation will target potential disruption: "There will be armed officers and officers in plain clothes to make sure this is a safe and enjoyable event. People can be reassured there are very strict security measures. We are very happy with our response last year.

"If you look at the amount of people who tried to disrupt the event there were over 100 arrests.