Police have arrested three men and two women after seizing a pistol and other weapons in Mong Kok today.

Officers launched the operation about 4.30am and searched a premises in a shopping centre on Cheung Wong Road.

A 7.62mm-calibre pistol with four rounds of ammunition was found, along with 15 knives and machetes, plus an extendable baton.

Officers then raided another eight locations throughout Hong Kong. The five, aged 20 to 52, were arrested for possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence and possession of offensive weapons.

Initial enquiries revealed the weapons belonged to a triad group active in Kowloon West, and were to be used in settlement talks and gang fights. The shop was used to store the weapons.

The arrested five are still being detained as Police operations on the case continue.