Police make four arrests over two day Epsom Derby

Police made four arrests over the two day Epsom Derby, which the Surrey force said was its "largest pre-planned operation" annually.

Surrey Police said it worked closely with The Jockey Club to ensure the event at Epsom Downs on Friday and Saturday was carried out safely.

Ch Supt Graham Barnett said "no two years are ever the same" when policing the high profile horse race.

Officers had been granted increased powers ahead of the event after Epsom council adopted a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

The PSPO was designed to give police the ability to tackle anti-social behaviour without the need to immediately resort to arrests.

The Surrey force said it used specialist resources such as planning, intelligence, drones, and public order, to "support the safe running" of the Derby.

The four arrests, which were made in and around the racecourse, included:

• a 45-year-old man from North Cheam arrested and cautioned for being drunk and disorderly
• a 63-year-old man arrested for the same thing and given an informal, out-of-court disposal
• a 20-year-old man from Worcester Park arrested on suspicion of assault and released with no further action
• a 24-year-old man from Redhill arrested on suspicion of assault and sexual assault by touching, who has since been bailed

Ch Supt Barnett said: "Our teams worked tirelessly to prevent and respond to reports of crime and anti-social behaviour related to the Derby.

"We appreciate this event can be disruptive for Epsom residents and those travelling through the area.

"I'd like to thank the local community for their understanding and patience."

The Derby, which has been described as the richest flat race in Britain, has come under pressure in recent years as the number of paying spectators fell from 48,000 in 2004 to 27,000 last year.

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