DHAKA: Thousands of people have remained on the streets of Hong Kong for another day of pro-democracy protests, defying tear gas and ignoring appeals to leave.

Overnight, riot police advanced on crowds who ignored official warnings that the demonstrations were illegal.

Protesters are angry at Chinese government plans to vet candidates in Hong Kong's 2017 elections, reports BBC.

Hong Kong's chief executive reassured the public that rumours the Chinese army might intervene were untrue.

"I hope the public will keep calm. Don't be misled by the rumours," CY Leung said.

"Police will strive to maintain social order, including ensuring smooth traffic and ensuring public safety."

Thousands of protesters remained camped out around the government complex overnight, despite appeals for them to go home. Many have erected barricades.

And in a sign that the unrest was spreading, fresh demonstrations sprang up in other areas.

About 3,000 people blocked a major road across the bay in Mongkok while a crowd of about 1,000 faced a line of riot police in the busy shopping district of Causeway Bay, east of central Hong Kong.

BDST: 1035 HRS, SEP 29, 2014