Police acting on intelligence received in connection to potential disruption at the Derby at Epsom have arrested 19 people in pre-dawn raids on Saturday.
According to Surrey Police,11 people were arrested at addresses in Mitcham and Byfleet in the early hours of the morning following warrants being issued.
A further eight people were arrested after a vehicle was stopped in Burgh Heath, close to Epsom Downs, at about 10.20am.
The arrests were made on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance and the 19 people remain in police custody.
Last Friday, the Jockey Club, which owns Epsom Downs Racecourse among its portfolio of 15 tracks in Britain, was granted a High Court injunction to outlaw intentionally disruptive behaviour during the two-day Derby meeting, which is being conducted amid significantly heightened security and an enhanced police presence. In the lead-up to the Derby, the protest group Animal Rising had publicly threatened to halt or delay the race, which this year is being run at the earlier time of 1.30pm to avoid a clash with the FA Cup final.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
