DHAKA: Police in Hong Kong have clashed with pro-democracy protesters as they cleared an underpass near the city government headquarters.

Hundreds of police officers wearing riot gear used pepper spray to disperse the protesters, and arrested dozens of people

Police said Lung Wo Road had to be cleared as it was a major thoroughfare.

After the scuffles, police said officers involved in beating a protester would be reassigned, reports BBC.

Demonstrators, a mix of students and a pro-democracy group called Occupy Central, have occupied parts of Hong Kong for more than two weeks. They are demanding fully free elections in the next vote for the territory's leader.

China, which has control over Hong Kong, says residents can vote - but it will vet which candidates are eligible to stand.

The BBC's Juliana Liu in Hong Kong says violent clashes have been a rare sight since the evening that tear gas was first used at the beginning of the pro-democracy protests.

BDST: 1122 HRS, OCT 15, 2014