Nineteen arrested ahead of Derby day

Animal Rising has pledged to ‘cancel or severely delay’ the Epsom feature.

Nineteen people have been arrested in connection with plans to disrupt the Epsom Derby Festival on Saturday, Surrey Police said.

Officers said 11 people were arrested at addresses in Mitcham and Byfleet in the early hours of the morning following warrants based on intelligence received ahead of the festival.

Eight people were also arrested after a vehicle stopped in Burgh Heath at about 10.20am.

Protesters at Epsom on Saturday morning
Protesters at Epsom on Saturday morning (Mike Egerton/PA)

All were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance and remain in police custody.

Activists from the group Animal Rising had pledged to “cancel or severely delay” the Derby in the lead-up to the event.

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