Police stop Grand National protesters striking again
A BID by animal rights activists to halt the Scottish Grand National was thwarted by police yesterday.
Just a week on from an attempt to stop the English equivalent at Aintree, around 25 protesters stormed the racecourse at Ayr and tried to attach themselves to the jumps.
But officers swung into action and arrested them. The 3.30pm race went ahead just three minutes late.
Police Scotland assistant chief constable Tim Mairs said: “Following this, there was a further attempt to disrupt a later race involving a smaller group.
“Both incidents resulted in people being safely removed and no injuries have been reported.”
It came as the Met Police chiefs promised a “rapid and effective response” if Just Stop Oil eco-zealots try to ruin today’s London Marathon.
As 50,000 runners take to the streets of the capital, temporary assistant commissioner Matt Twist said a “range of contingencies and plans” are in place in case of disruption.
TAC Twist added: “We are remaining alert and if people set out intent on committing crime, they will be dealt with quickly and effectively.”
His pledge came as a poll found 61 per cent of people think groups like JSO are harming their cause.
Tactics have included targeting the World Snooker Champ-ionships.
Extinction
Rebellion has pledged not to disrupt the marathon. But JSO has refused to rule out a stunt.
The race comes on day three of Extinction Rebellion’s four-day Big One event, which yesterday saw thousands descend on Parliament, including BBC wildlife presenter Chris Packham, who urged “every last person” who cares about the world’s future to get involved.
The 61-year-old naturalist said: “Our planet is in crisis and if we don’t take action then we will not protect life.”
Packham also commended two Just Stop Oil protesters jailed on Friday after scaling the Dartford Crossing bridge in Kent for “sacrificing” their freedom.
Morgan Trowland, 40, was imprisoned for three years, while Marcus Decker, 34, got two years seven months.
Just 14 per cent of more than 1,000 people polled by Omnisis thought protesters were strengthening their cause.
And the study found 36 per cent believed eco-activists got preferential treatment by the justice system.