More than 7,000 officers mobilised as Hong Kong police vow swift crackdown on any protests ahead of reform vote

More than 7,000 police officers equipped with anti-riot gear will be mobilised to deal with possible chaos when lawmakers debate and vote on the government's electoral reform package in the Legislative Council later this month, police sources say.

The news emerged as pro-democracy activists revealed plans to stage large-scale protests outside Legco and appealed to those who took part in last year's 79-day Occupy campaign to join.

"To cope with any eventuality, police will deploy more than 7,000 officers to maintain order when legislators debate the government's electoral reform package," the source said.

The source added they had not finalised numbers, but said police would take swift action and use necessary force if anyone broke the law.

"Those who occupy carriageways illegally will be removed immediately," the source said.

It is understood anti-riot gear, such as canisters of tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray, will be ready to use.

Hong Kong police were widely criticised for firing 87 rounds of tear gas in an unsuccessful attempt to dispel pro-democracy protesters at the start of last year's Occupy civil disobedience movement.