A “large-scale” fight broke out between racegoers and at group of youths following Ladies Day at Aintree, police said.

Officers were called to Copy Lane, a mile from the racecourse on Friday night following reports a gang had confronted people attending the Grand National – resulting in a huge brawl.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of affray but has since been released under investigation, as Merseyside Police continue to study video footage of the violence.

Superintendent Dave Charnock said: “This kind of violent disorder in a public place will not be tolerated and we are currently examining CCTV and video footage and following a number of lines of inquiry to identify those responsible.

“A dispersal zone has been put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour and high-visibility patrols will be stepped up in the area over the weekend.”

Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Show all 41 1 /41 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Derek Fox riding One For Arthur (C) clear the last to win The Randox Health Grand National from Cause Of Causes and Jamie Codd (2R, green) at Aintree Racecourse on April 8, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images) Getty Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Outlander 100/1 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Just A Par 66/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Livelovelaugh 66/1 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Don Poli 66/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Valsuer Lad 66/1 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Bless The Wings 66/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Monbeg Notorious 66/1 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Regal Encoure 66/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Blow By Blow 66/1 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Valtor 50/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Mala Beach 50/1 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Magic of Light 50/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Ultragold 50/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 A Toi Phil 50/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Warriors Tale 50/1 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Captain Redbeard 50/1 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Folsom Blue 50/1 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Singlefarmpayment 50/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 General Principle 40/1 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Tea For Two 40/1 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Go Conquer 33/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Noble Endeavour 33/1 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Dounikos 33/1 Conor Wyse Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Ballyoptic 33/1 Getty Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Vieux Lion Rouge 33/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Step Back 25/1 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Walk In The Mill 25/1 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Ramses De Teillee 25/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 One For Arthur 25/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Minella Rocco 25/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Up For Review 25/1 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Rock The Kasbah 20/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Jury Duty 18/1 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Pleasant Company 18/1 Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Joe Farrell 16/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Anibale Fly 14/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Lake View Lad 14/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Vintage Clouds 12/1 AFP/Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Rathvinden 9/1 Getty Images Runners and riders: Grand National 2019 Tiger Roll 7/2 Getty Images

One witness told the Liverpool Echo the black-clad youths, one armed with a wooden bat, had “targeted” the racegoers near the former Old Roan pub.

“They were all in black like a pack mentality. It made me physically sick. They targeted visitors to our city.”

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson condemned the violence and appealed to parents for help identify the “yobs” involved.

“If anybody knows who is responsible then we need to apprehend them and deal with them quickly,” he said. “This is criminal behaviour, they are just yobs ... I think we need to ask parents if they know where their kids are and what they are doing.”

Superintendent Charnock said the anti-social behaviour dispersal zone meant any group of people gathering in the areas of Old Roan to Warbreck Moor over the weekend could be moved on.

“Despite this incident occurring away from the racecourse, the actions of individuals involved have tarnished what was an otherwise fantastic day for racegoers and we will continue to pursue those responsible and put them before the courts,” he said. “I would ask anyone who witnessed the incident or has any footage to contact us.”

The Grand National 2019 in numbers

Prior to the fight, police had praised racegoers for their behaviour on Ladies Day as thousands descended on the world-famous racecourse for the second day of the Grand National Festival.

Only two arrests were made on the course on Friday, with one man held on suspicion of possession of counterfeit currency and another arrested on suspicion of a public order offence.

Anyone who witnessed the disturbance on Copy Lane, has any dashcam or video footage or any information is asked to contact MerPolCC ON 101 or CrimestoppersUK.