Chinese police are warning mainland students enrolled in university programs in Hong Kong to stay away from “illegal mass protests and street violence,” The Telegraph can reveal, as authorities try to suppress the unrest.

Students received text message alerts from local police this week that said “please stand firm on the position, ‘love the country, love Hong Kong,’ and by no means should you participate in any form of illegal assemblies, marches or demonstrations.”

The notice added: “Take care of your personal safety and remember to strictly abide by China’s national laws and regulations, and local Hong Kong laws,” suggesting students keep close contact with the central government’s liaison office in Hong Kong.

The messages, viewed by The Telegraph, popped up on phones as Chinese students prepared to return to Hong Kong for the fall semester and ahead of another weekend of mass demonstrations, which have largely been youth-driven.

A citywide strike is also planned for early next week, with protest organisers calling on university and secondary school students to boycott the first day of classes.