Hong Kong police clear pro-democracy protesters

Hong Kong police have cleared the main government compound of pro-democracy demonstrators who had occupied the area on Friday, reports say.

The arrests followed a night of clashes, with police using pepper spray to restore order. Nearly 30 people were hurt and at least 13 people arrested.

Reports suggest protesters remain in the area surrounding the compound.

Students and activists oppose Beijing’s decision to rule out fully democratic elections in Hong Kong in 2017.

The ruling has prompted a protest movement in the autonomous territory, spearheaded by a group called Occupy Central.

In statement issued on Saturday, Occupy Central alleged that pepper spray was used without warning, and condemned the use of “unnecessary force” against “peaceful protesters”.

“We strongly condemn such action which not only violates the police code of conduct but also tramples on people’s f