Hong Kong police seize bullets, explosives made for violent protests

Hong Kong police have seized a large number of bullets and explosives that were made for violent protests and could cause heavy casualties.

The police uncovered around 800 cartridge cases, 200 bullets, black powder and bomb-making materials Thursday afternoon at an abandoned house in Siu Sai Wan, the northeastern part of Hong Kong Island, when busting an underground arms factory, the police said in a press conference Friday.

The hazardous articles were planned to be used by rioters in violent protests and could cause heavy casualties, Li Kwai-wah, senior superintendent of Organized Crime and Triad Bureau, said, adding that the safety of residents nearby was also severely threatened.

Three men were arrested on the spot for offenses including "possession of offensive weapon" and another man was arrested later when police searched the residence of one of the suspects.

As investigations are underway, the police said more could be arrested.