Nineteen people have been arrested over plans to disrupt the Epsom Derby Festival, Surrey Police has said.

Animal Rising had warned that protesters would attempt to disrupt the event, despite a High Court injunction.

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

Eight people were arrested at around 10.20am after a vehicle stopped in Burgh Heath, just south of Epsom.

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

Dan Kidby, co-founder of Animal Rising said: “We are seeing an intensive policing operation to protect the interests of a multi-billion pound industry that the majority of the public, as a nation of animal lovers, recognise as cruel to horses.

“A horse dies every other day in racing and billions of animals are killed every year in our food system. Animal Rising will not stop trying to bring these issues to the forefront of the public agenda and demand change.”

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The group added: “Police heavy-handedness and intimidation tactics will not prevent a national conversation about our broken relationship with other animals and the natural world.

“It restates its commitment to protect horses and disrupt the Derby.”

It also accused the police of “overreach”, referencing the updates to the Public Order Act.

‘Criminal activity will not be tolerated’

Surrey Police Superintendent Michael Hodder said: “We have been clear in our approach that criminal activity will not be tolerated at the Epsom Derby Festival. As a result of intelligence, we have arrested 19 people who we believe were intent on illegally disrupting today’s events.

“Our officers will be at the event throughout the day to continue in keeping the public safe and preventing criminality.”

The group earlier tweeted that it would do “what’s necessary” to protect the horses and was prepared to “put their bodies on the line”.

Surrey Police had said it would not tolerate any risk to public safety and anyone who took part could be subject to contempt of court proceedings, fined or jailed.

The injunction sought by the Jockey Club in the week banned people from going on the racetrack and carrying out acts with intent to disrupt the races.

Those breaching the order could face jail time.

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