Hong Kong protesters scuffle with cops outside government offices

Thousands of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists clashed with cops early on Monday as they tried to encircle government headquarters, defying orders from authorities to retreat after more than two months of demonstrations.

Hundreds of protesters chanting “surround government headquarters!" and “Open the road!” surrounded Admiralty Centre, which houses offices and retail outlets, in a tense stand-off with police.

Riot police armed with batons and pepper spray had earlier charged protesters, forcing them off one road near government offices. Police had cleared that area more than a month ago during some of the most violent scenes since the demonstrations began in late September.

Scores of protesters with wooden shields and metal barricades charged police as officers warned them to retreat. Police, who have been accused of using excessive force, struck demonstrators with batons in a bid to push them back.

Hong Kong media reported that 40 people had been arrested on Sunday night.

Hong Kong's pro-democracy protesters are demanding free elections for the city's next leader in 2017 rather than the vote between pre-screened candidates that Beijing has said it would allow.