We're Ready For June 9 Anniversary Protests: Police

The police have warned people not to join any protests on Tuesday night to mark the anniversary of the massive June 9 march which came at the beginning of Hong Kong's year of unrest.

As well as warning that people taking part in authorised assemblies could be jailed for five years, the force said that gatherings would also increase the risk of Covid-19 spreading in the city.

"The police will deploy adequate manpower in relevant locations today and take resolute action to enforce the law, including making arrests," a statement said.

The force predicted "serious obstruction to traffic on Hong Kong Island" should any protests go ahead, and it urged motorists to "drive away from dangerous areas".

"Police will conduct risk assessments and cordon off the Legislative Council Road, Lung Wui Road, Tamar Park, the footbridge connecting the Admiralty Centre and the Central Government Offices, as well as the footbridge connecting CITIC Tower, when necessary," the statement said.

It added that people going to the government offices, Legco or Citic Tower via the footbridge may need to show staff cards to be allowed to pass.

The police also claimed that "some rioters" have been inciting people on the internet to attack officers with petrol bombs "in an attempt to force police to deploy tear gas".

The force said it strongly condemns such "malicious and irresponsible messages that intended to encourage the use of violence".