Police have said they arrested ten people who are suspected of providing surrogacy and baby gender selection services.

The force in a statement late on Saturday said it received reports that a local company had on two websites promoted these services, which violate the Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance.

Following an investigation, which included an undercover operation, officers said the company allegedly advertised, promoted and sought customers in Hong Kong.

After service contracts were signed, the firm would presumably arrange clients to go overseas for in-vitro fertilisation and surrogacy procedures, the force said.

Police arrested four men and six women, aged between 30 and 70 on Friday and Saturday.

Officers collected multiple smartphones, laptops, leaflets, receipts and contracts during the operation. The relevant websites have also been taken down.

All suspects were released on bail, and are required to report to police in late May.

Under the law, nobody is allowed to promote, distribute, and provide gender selection and surrogacy services, even outside Hong Kong, unless under specific circumstances such as for research purposes.