Police Make Arrests As Anthem Debate Looms

Police say they have arrested two teenagers on suspicion of possessing offensive weapons as the force maintains a high profile presence across Hong Kong, ahead of the second reading of the controversial National Anthem Bill in the Legislative Council.

The two males, aged 15 and 18 years old, were stopped near the junction of Castle Peak Road and Kiu Kiang Street in Sham Shui Po. On a Facebook post, police claimed the youngsters had several petrol bombs, goggles and helmets.

Police also said that since 5.30am, some roads had been blocked with rubbish in an attempt to paralyse traffic. The force said the affected areas were Po Lam Road and Tsui Lam Road in Tseung Kwan O; and Hung Hom, where nails were found on Wuhu Street.

There had been online calls by opponents of the bill to surround the Legco building, as well as to disrupt the morning rush hour with go-slow driving. Traffic, though, appeared to moving as usual as people made their way into work.

Riot police were stationed outside Legco after they sealed off a number of roads outside the building in Tamar on Tuesday.

Police were also patrolling MTR stations and major roads, including tunnels across the harbour.