National Security Police Arrest Five: Sources

National security police have arrested at least five people in connection with the case of an alleged pro-independence group, Returning Valiant, sources told RTHK on Monday.

The five are believed to be aged between 15 and 37, and three of them are students.

The arrests come after nine people, including six secondary school students, were arrested last week over an alleged plot to blow up Hong Kong courts, cross-harbour tunnels and the railways.

During last week's operation, officers said they found chemicals that could be turned into TATP, an explosive, and bomb-making equipment in a Tsim Sha Tsui hostel.

Helmets, shields, air guns and walkie-talkies were also found, police said, adding that they had frozen bank funds of around HK$600,000.

The force said the group planned to launch car bomb attacks and place bombs in rubbish bins, alleging that they hoped to maximise the damage caused to society.