Hong Kong  - Police will form a new elite anti-terror squad to ensure security during the East Asian Games which start in Hong Kong on December 5, a news report said Sunday.

Initially about 35 police officers have been selected for training although the group will grow to a force of around 140 men and women.

"We have never had an attack, and rather than wait until we have an attack we've decided to take action now, which is refreshing," a police source told the Sunday Morning Post.

Security concerns have been raised by recent ethnic unrest in China involving the minority Uygur population in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. There has also been an increase in illegal immigrants mainly from South Asia being smuggled into Hong Kong via small boats from mainland China.

The special police group will also be mobilised for other major events including diplomatic visits and the Rugby Sevens competition held each March. (dpa)