Trainers' and jockeys' cars broken into during Grand National meeting

While the three-day Grand National meeting was rightly hailed a rip-roaring success, it was not without blemish with police revealing they had made seven arrests at the course for a variety of offences, while several vehicles in the owners' and trainers' car park were broken into on Thursday night.

A trainer, professional jockey and amateur jockey are understood to have been among the victims of the thefts, having had their windows smashed and valuables stolen.

The vehicle break-ins were reported to racecourse officials, and it is understood those affected will be reimbursed.

The track had been vandalised on the Saturday before the meeting, while a 16-year-old boy was arrested after a large-scale disturbance outside the Old Roan pub on Friday evening.

There, a large group of youths confronted racegoers, resulting in a mass brawl caught on video and shared on social media, while of the seven arrests made, five were on Grand National day.

The seven arrests, from 155,000 visitors over the three days, were on suspicion of offences including drunk and disorderly behaviour, possession of counterfeit currency, public order offences and actual bodily harm.

Police, meanwhile, are appealing for information after a 42-year-old man, who suffered head injuries and remains in a critical condition, was discovered on The Strand in Liverpool city centre at around 3.20am on Friday.

Detectives believe he became separated from his group of friends at around 11pm on Mathew Street and is thought to have visited a few bars.

Detective inspector Tracey Martin said: "We know how busy the city centre was, given it was the first day of the Grand National meeting, and we're asking for anyone who was in the area and may have information about this incident to get in contact."

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