Hong Kong - Soldiers from the People's Liberation Army could be called in to help provide security at the equestrian events being held in Hong Kong, a senior police officer said Saturday.

Operations director Henrique Koo said the PLA would be brought in as a last resort.

Speaking on a radio programme on government broadcaster, RTHK, Koo - who is also a senior assistant commissioner - said police were well prepared to deal with emergency situations. But he said soldiers would be available if necessary.

He reiterated that the threat level remains moderate because there was "no concrete evidence Hong Kong was a potential target for terrorist attacks."

But Koo appealed to the public to inform the police if they noticed anything abnormal, because experience overseas showed that an alert public could play a key role in preventing terrorist attacks.

The equestrian events, which start on August 9, are being held at two locations - Sha Tin and Beas River in the New Territories area of Hong Kong. (dpa)