Police said they have arrested 16 people and seized 13 vehicles in Yuen Long on Tuesday during an operation to combat illegal road racing activities.

The suspects, aged between 23 and 44, were arrested on suspicion of offences like illegal road racing and driving without third party insurance.

Acting superintendent So Chi-wai said officers will investigate whether gambling activities were involved, but said the force will do more to combat the problem over the coming weeks.

"Especially during the Chinese New Year holidays, we will continue to combat illegal road racing activities... These actions not only put other road users at risk, but [are] also the main reason leading to serious traffic accidents," he said.

13 of the suspects appeared at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts for mention on Wednesday afternoon, while the others have been released on bail.