Clashes at Hong Kong pro-democracy protest, leader promises more talks

There have been more clashes between pro-democracy protesters and police in Hong Kong on Sunday.

Pepper spray was used as police charged at demonstrators who tried to break a police blockade shutting in leaders of the Occupy Central group.

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying says the government will launch a new round of consultations on voting reform – but insists elections will go ahead as planned.

Activists have accused him of failing to deliver on political reform in the former British colony.

They have been demanding greater freedoms and want China to scrap restrictions that allow candidates for Hong Kong’s next elected leader to be pre-approved.

Tens of thousands of people poured into the city, responding to calls to try to paralyse the business district.

They defied warnings not to take part in protests the authorities described as “illegal”.

China says it supports the Hong Kong government’s handling of the matter.