Police arrest 19 animal rights activists ahead of Epsom Derby
03.06.2023 - 12:43
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Nineteen activists have been arrested ahead of plans to disrupt the Epsom Derby on Saturday, police said.
The group Animal Rising accused Surrey Police of "abusing" their powers after 19 people were arrested on Saturday morning based on intelligence received by officers. A spokesman for the force said 11 people were arrested at addresses in Mitcham and Byfleet in the early hours and a further eight people were arrested after their vehicle was stopped on Canons Lane in Burgh Heath at around 10.20am.
It comes after activist group vowed to "cancel or severely delay" the race - despite a High Court injunction banning them from doing so. Last week, the Jockey Club, which owns Epsom Downs, was granted the injunction against the group, claiming it had made "explicitly clear" it intended to breach security at the Surrey racecourse.
And on Friday, Surrey Police warned they "will not tolerate" risks to public safety after an Animal Rising member told Sky News she would do "what's necessary", including breaking the law, to protect the animals. In a defiant announcement following the arrests, Animal Rising said police would not stop them from disrupting the Derby.
They said: "Earlier this morning, at least 10 arrests were made by Surrey Police, allegedly in connection with the Epsom Derby. This comes after reports of facial recognition camera around Epsom Downs Racecourse.
"Police heavy-handedness and intimidation tactics will not prevent a national conversation about our animals and the natural world. It restates its commitment to protect horses and disrupt the Derby."
Superintendent Michael Hodder of Surrey Police said: "We have been clear in our approach that criminal activity will not be tolerated at the Epsom Derby Festival. As
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