Hong Kong protests: CY Leung urges crowds to leave

Hong Kong leader CY Leung has asked pro-democracy protesters to stop their campaign immediately, as huge crowds continue to bring parts of the territory to a standstill.

Tens of thousands of people have been blocking streets in several areas.

The protesters want China to give Hong Kong a free vote for its next leader, the Chinese have rejected.

During a news conference, the pro-democracy group said it would open humanitarian corridors in protest areas to allow emergency vehicles to pass.

The streets are relatively quiet with people mainly sleeping and clearing up.

But crowds are set to swell during the evening ahead of Chinese National Day tomorrow which is a national holiday, marking the founding of Communist China.

At the weekend police used tear gas and pepper spray, but riot police have since been withdrawn and the protesters have remained calm.

BBC