Protesters in Hong Kong told to go home

The founders of Hong Kong’s Occupy Central civil disobedience movement called on pro-democracy activists to retreat from the city centre over fears of violence, just hours after a student leader had called on supporters to regroup.

Protesters on the streets, while united in their calls for full democracy for the Chinese-ruled city, have been split over tactics since the demonstrations started in late September and the movement has lacked a clear leadership.

On Monday, thousands of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists forced the temporary closure of government headquarters after clashing with police, defying police orders to pull back.