HK arrests nine with explosives

Hong Kong police arrested nine people and seized suspected explosives, authorities said yesterday, as the city goes on high alert ahead of a crucial vote on a China-backed electoral reform package that sparked widespread protests last year. The overnight raids involving scores of officers came three days after police warned they were monitoring on-line activity to track anyone planning to incite violence. Dozens were on patrol yesterday near government headquarters, where metal fences have been erected, before debate on the package begins tomorrow. The nine were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to manufacture explosives, police said.