Aintree racegoers urged to plan ahead for festival

Police are urging the estimated 150,000 visitors at this week's Randox Grand National Festival to "plan, plan, plan" ahead of the three-day event.

Starting on Thursday, the races at Aintree will culminate with the Grand National steeple chase at 16:00 BST on Saturday.

Ch Insp Kevin Chatterton from Merseyside Police said he was confident enough resources were being deployed to keep both racegoers and football fans attending Liverpool's match against Fulham on Saturday safe.

He encouraged racegoers across the three days to "leave a little extra early to get there on time" and to "look after each other".

Police are also advising racegoers to keep phones and bags near them and avoid buying tickets from disreputable sellers, which could be forgeries.

"Buy them from someone you trust," Ch Insp Chatterton added.

He also urged people to dispose of any drugs at amnesty bins at the entrance.

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