Hong Kong police seize weapons including a handgun ahead of mass protest

• Force believes radicals intended to deploy the arsenal during Sunday's demonstrations on Hong Kong Island
• Eleven arrested in early morning raids at multiple locations across the city

Hong Kong police have arrested 11 people and seized weapons including a firearm during citywide raids, which officers believed would be used to "create chaos" at a major anti-government march on Sunday afternoon.

The haul included a Glock semi-automatic pistol along with five magazines, three of which were loaded, and a total of 105 bullets, the force said at a televised press conference.

It is the first time a gun has been seized during six months of protests.

Detectives suggested the weapons, which were found during raids at 11 locations in the early hours of Sunday, were intended for use during the march.

Police said the discovery of the 9mm pistol was evidence that people should stay alert during the march and rally, which is organised by the Civil Human Rights Front.

Also seized were knives, sabres, batons, pepper spray and firecrackers, officers said.

"Their plan is to use the gun to create chaos during the march later today, including shooting at our officers, or turning the blame on officers themselves by hurting innocent passersby," said Li Kwai-wah, senior superintendent at the organised crime and triad bureau.

Organisers vow to keep the peace at march, with police-protester diplomacy

Officers arrested eight men and three women, aged between 20 and 63.

Police said they were part of a group wanted in connection with the throwing of petrol bombs at Mong Kok Police Station on October 20.

Huge crowds are expected to gather on Sunday afternoon in Victoria Park for a rally and march to Central organised by the front, the city's biggest pro-democracy group.

Monday marks six months since the first massive protests were held against the now-withdrawn extradition bill.

The movement has since morphed into a wider anti-government campaign, fuelled by alleged police brutality, and the campaign for more democracy.

Copyright (c) 2019. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.