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Surrey Police confirmed on Sunday that an animal rights activist who ran onto the course during the Betfred Derby at Epsom on Saturday had been charged with causing public nuisance.

The protestor, named as Ben Newman, was tackled and pulled off the course by the police and security teams before the runners reached the home straight.

Newman was one of 31 people arrested on Saturday including 12 on the racecourse grounds. The twelve included two women who were arrested as they attempted to climb the running rails and gain access to the track.

A police spokesman said: "A total of 39 arrests were made over the course of the two days. Thirty-one of these arrests were made in connection with planned criminal activity at the Epsom Derby Festival, including two women who were quickly detained moments before they were able to get on to the track.

"Thirty have since been released on bail pending further inquiries."

Chief Superintendent Clive Davies was in charge of the policing operation for the Epsom Derby Festival and said: "I am incredibly proud of every single officer, staff member and volunteer who worked in the run-up to the event and at the event itself.

"They played a vital role in protecting the public and preventing and responding to criminality."

Newman, 32, from East London will appear at Guildford Magistrates' Court on Monday.