DHAKA: Fresh scuffles erupted between pro-democracy activists occupying central parts of Hong Kong and riot police, as the protests entered their second week.

Thousands of people held a rally overnight, defying the Beijing-backed authorities, although by Sunday morning many of the protesters had gone home.

On Saturday Hong Kong’s leader warned that police would ensure government offices and schools reopened on Monday.

Activists oppose China's plans to vet candidates in 2017 elections.

During the overnight rally thousands chanted, ‘Democracy now! Democracy in Hong Kong!’ as speakers from the pro-democracy movement urged them to persist in their campaign, media reported, says The Straits Times.

The scuffles occurred in the early hours of Sunday in the Mong Kok district, with police using pepper spray against some of the protesters.

BDST: 1247 HRS, OCT 05, 2014