Thousands of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists clashed with police early on Monday as they tried to encircle government headquarters, defying orders from authorities to retreat after more than two months of demonstrations.
Chaos erupted as commuters made their way to work, with hundreds of protesters surrounding Admiralty Centre, which houses offices and retail outlets, in a tense stand-off with police. Many shops remained shut by mid-morning.
The latest flare-up blocked access to key roads and government offices were closed on Monday morning.
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.
On Monday, crowds chanting "Surround government headquarters!" and "Open the road!", made their way to the buildings in Admiralty, next to Hong Kong's central business district and some of the world's most expensive real estate.
"I urge everyone to stay here until the morning to keep surrounding the government headquarters. Let's stop the government from functioning tomorrow," a protester clad in a black T-shirt shouted into a loud hailer.
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 overnight.
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 China has said it would allow.
The activists tried to reclaim Lung Wo Road in Admiralty, where police moved in on Monday, in running battles throughout the night.
Two student groups who have led the disobedience campaign had urged supporters to escalate their actions at the main protest site in the Admiralty neighbourhood.
