Hong Kong protests: Powerful homemade explosives found ahead of fresh rallies

Police in Hong Kong have discovered a stash of powerful homemade explosives ahead of a fresh round of protests.

Banners opposing an extradition bill that has caused more than a month of demonstrations were found at the scene.

Police said the investigation was continuing and that they had not found concrete evidence linking the explosives-making to a major protest march due to take place on Sunday.

Two kilogrammes (4.4lbs) of TATP, or triacetone triperoxide, were found in the raid on Friday - and 1kg was detonated on Saturday morning.

Alick McWhirter, a senior bomb disposal officer, said the homemade explosive is very unstable and extremely powerful.

Three people have been arrested including a 27-year-old man and two men, aged 25.

Huge barricades have been erected near government headquarters in preparation for Sunday's march.

Previous protests have turned violent as police clashed with groups of protesters who attempted to occupy streets or refused to disperse after the demonstration ended.

A counter-rally in support of the police was held on Saturday evening which saw thousands of people under umbrellas and overcast skies in a park in central Hong Kong.

A giant screen behind a stage for speakers read: "Safeguard Hong Kong."

Many wore white, heeding a call by organisers, and did not wear masks or helmets, RTHK said.

Some of the anti-extradition law activists wear black and don protective gear against police pepper spray and batons.

:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

The protests were triggered by a proposal to change extradition laws in Hong Kong which would allow crime suspects in the territory to be transferred to the mainland.

Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam has declared the bill dead, but protesters are demanding her resignation and an inquiry into the use of force by police to push back and disperse protesters.