Police in China are reported to have detained six more political activists involved in attempts to set up an opposition party.

The Information Centre of Human Rights and Democratic Movement in China, which is based in Hong Kong, said the arrests took place in recent days in the south-western city of Chongqing.

It said five people were detained late last month and a sixth veteran dissident Deng Huanwu was taken into custody this week as he prepared a protest against their detention.

Police are reported to have carried out a series of arrests in several provinces of dissidents linked to moves to set up branches of the Democracy Party.