GUNNERS & RIDERS
Armed police patrol Aintree in bid to stop drunken louts and anti-social behaviour on Grand National weekend
Fans arriving at the festival met metal detectors, body searches and bag checks
GRAND National racegoers were greeted yesterday by an armed police ring of steel and a zero-tolerance ban on drunken louts.
Increased anti-terror security surrounded the first Aintree festival meeting since the Manchester Arena bomb.
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As one of the UK’s top sporting events, it attracts more than 150,000 people over three days and is watched by 600 million on TV.
Fans arriving at the Merseyside festival faced metal detectors, body searches and bag checks.
Cars entering the site were stopped while security searched under bonnets, in boots, footwells and underneath their vehicles.
Merseyside Police Chief Supt Dave Charnock said: “Racegoers can expect high visibility policing. There’ll also be a visible armed presence.
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"This isn’t in response to any direct threat, but is reassurance for the thousands coming through the gates.”
Aintree has also joined a Jockey Club anti-drunkenness plan by limiting punters to buying four alcoholic drinks at a time.
Chief Supt Charnock added: “Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated."
Aintree racegoers leave the course after a long day of festive fun