An attempt by a group of Christians to march towards the residence of Chief Executive Carrie Lam has been thwarted by the police.

Armed police blocked off the road at the start of Upper Albert Road, opposite to the west wing of the government offices as hundreds marched from Wan Chai in defiance of a ban on rallies and marches.

The police also set up barricades at the Garden Road and raised the yellow flag, warning the gathering is illegal,

The participants at the rally raised slogans while a man dressed as Moses blessed the officers. “God bless the police. God will protect you from danger. All is watching you. Have faith to what you’ve sworn,” he said.

Some of the protesters knelt down and prayed before the police cordon.

The marchers then abandoned their plan to march to the Government House, made a U-turn and headed to Central.