Melbourne Cup: Refugee activists blocks entrance to racecourse

Six refugee activists were taken into custody by police after a group blocked the entrance to the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.

Refugee supporters block the main entrance to Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday. Source: Twitter: @akaWACA

Refugee protesters blocked the entrance to Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday morning, holding a banner reading: "All refugees in detention are political prisoners".

The Whistleblowers, Activist and Citizens Alliance (WACA) posted footage on social media showing protesters unfurling a long banner in the wet weather as they blocked the entrance to the racecourse.

Another banner at a separate entrance read: "Stop the Race-ist nation #Disrupt2018", according to WACA.

Victoria Police said six people were taken into custody following the protest.

Access to the racecourse is still open via Epson Road.