ELEVEN motorists were arrested for unrelated offences as police descended on a Hampshire road over fears of illegal horse racing.

Hampshire Constabulary says it "allocated significant resources" to monitor the A33 near Micheldever, following the trap racing last month - which saw hundreds head to the area.

However, despite the force confirming no racing took place, police did seize two sulky traps - devices used for starting a horse race. Three men were then banned from the area as part of a dispersal order.

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Officers also arrested almost a dozen people for separate offences.

They were:

  • One motorist dealt with for drugs offences
  • Three motorists were dealt with for drink driving
  • One motorist dealt with for driving whilst unfit through drink/drugs
  • A wanted man arrested for failing to appear at court
  • Five vehicles seized for having no insurance

Chief Superintendent Paul Bartolomeo said: “We are grateful to the community for their support, as well as our partners who helped in the careful management of this operation.

“No racing or associated criminality has taken place. 

"We’re pleased the operation has been carried out without any disruption to the road network in Hampshire, which is the best possible outcome for the local community.

“However, please be reassured that this does not mean that we are in any way being complacent. 

“This situation will be monitored longer term, and we will continue to gather intelligence and work with the community moving forward.

"This is to ensure that we can prevent any potential future disruption to the road network in Hampshire, and robustly deal with any identified offences.”

PCC RESPONSE

Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “A huge thank you and well done must be attributed to Hampshire Constabulary for the successful operation at the weekend on the A33.

"This is a key ‘A’ road in the centre of Hampshire and the illegal activities last month from the GRT community which saw them close the road for pony trap racing and illegal gambling, affected thousands of people who live in the area.

"A follow up event was planned for this weekend, and as a consequence, Hampshire Constabulary took appropriate and necessary measures to keep the road open and the public safe. Thank you to all involved including neighbouring forces who sent mutual aid. I continue to support their work in preventing any similar future events.”