Hong Kong authorities cleared street barricades from a pro-democracy protest camp in the Mong Kok district for a second day after a night of clashes in which police arrested 116 people.

The crowds of protesters who filled Hong Kong’s streets thinned dramatically today after student leaders and the territory’s government agreed to hold talks to discuss protesters’ demands regarding electoral reforms.

Student leaders of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong have warned that if the territory’s leader does not resign by the end of today they will step up their actions, including occupying several important government buildings.

Chinese state media has indicated that the central government may be losing patience with the protests, and urged support for decisive action to end them.