MERSESYISIDE Police are preparing to welcome thousands of visitors to Aintree for the Randox Grand National Festival later this week.

The three-day festival - taking place from Thursday, April 11, to Saturday April 13 - is one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar, attracting more than 150,000 people to Aintree Racecourse and watched by an international television audience of around 800 million people.

Racegoers are warned they will undergo a series of security checks including bag searches and badge checks.

Only pre-booked vehicles will be allowed onto the Aintree site and there are parking restrictions around the course, which will be rigorously enforced.

Superintendent Matthew Moscrop said: "As ever, we are expecting a large number of visitors to Aintree, and it is another prime opportunity to showcase what Merseyside has to offer.

"As with all big events, a considerable amount of planning from all partner organisations has been done in the run up to the three-day festival to ensure everyone who attends has a great time, and that it is memorable for all the right reasons.

"There are a number of plans in place to deal with any incidents that may arise and to prevent any significant or ongoing disruption to spectators and local residents and businesses.

"Anti-social behaviour, hate crime, disorder and other criminal activity will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.

"If you see someone acting suspiciously or committing a crime, then please speak to an officer on patrol or contact us directly.

"I would also ask visitors treat the area with respect and to consider local residents who live around the racecourse.

"Visitors can help the organisers and themselves by allowing extra time to get to the course, arriving in good time and limiting the number of bags and other items they bring along.

"They should also expect to undergo the normal security checks, including bag searches.

"We will be deploying Project Servator officers in uniform and plain-clothes.

"These officers are specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone may have criminal intent, such as gathering information that may help them plan or prepare to commit a crime.

"These deployments will appear at any time in and around the area of the racecourse, but the public should not be alarmed by this.

"Officers will be encouraging racegoers to help us make this a safe and enjoyable event by being our extra eyes and ears and to report anything suspicious to us."

The public are urged to be vigilant and immediately report anything that they see or hear that doesn’t feel right by telling a police officer, or by calling 101, or by calling the Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789 321.