The top cop overseeing this year's Grand National has assured that there's no intelligence indicating the iconic race will be marred by animal rights demonstrations. Last year's Randox Grand National was thrown into chaos by Animal Rising activists, who stormed the track and delayed the main event by 14 minutes. But the 2024 race proceeded smoothly after the group announced they wouldn't repeat their protest.

Merseyside Police's chief inspector Kevin Chatterton spoke to the ECHO, confirming: "We have no direct evidence to suggest the races will be disrupted this year. With an event like this there are plenty of months of planning beforehand. We have a mixture of resources, both uniformed and non-uniformed throughout the day. The aim is to prevent, deter and respond accordingly. We do have identified protest sights which we will direct any protesters who attend to move towards."

The prestigious three-day festival, running from Thursday, April 3 to Saturday, April 5, draws over 150,000 spectators to Aintree and reaches an estimated 800 million viewers globally on live television. Public safety remains the paramount concern for Merseyside Police, with extensive preparations in place for this year's festivities.

Chief inspector Chatterton has come forward with a robust plan to ensure the safety of racegoers at Aintree racecourse, stating: "Planning has involved all agencies with the event organisers The Jockey Club and Aintree racecourse. We have contingency plans in place to mitigate against known and unexpected threats. We have a coordinated and proportionate response to ensure everyone has a memorable day.

"As with every year, we are expecting many visitors to the region to enjoy this festival of racing, which is a prime opportunity to showcase many of the great things Merseyside has to offer.

"As with all big events, we carry out extensive planning alongside all partner organisations in the run up, to ensure everyone who attends the races has a great time, stays safe, and it is memorable for all the right reasons....please plan, plan properly. Arrive early to be processed through security, check the schedules.

"While you are inside, look after yourselves, look after each other and your property. Don't advertise any large amounts of money, keep mobile phones and other possessions close to hand. Avoid back pockets, avoid leaving a handbag open. Just look after each other."

The force also announced that Project Servator officers, specialists in disrupting a variety of crimes including terrorism, will be deployed at the event. These officers are trained to detect signals indicative of someone planning or gearing up to engage in criminal behavior.

Chatterton issued a stern warning: "Anti-social behaviour, hate crime, disorder and other criminal activity will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly. If you see someone acting suspiciously or committing a crime, then please speak to an officer on patrol or contact us directly.

"Everyone going to the race wants to be there and they support the police and the event security operation because they want to enjoy it. They want to go home happy so they come to us and speak to us.

"There is always pressure but in Merseyside for a relatively geographically small force we have a lot of high profile events with this one being one of many. It's the largest race going event of the year in the event and we do it every year. The pressure is felt but all the officers step up to it."