POLICE in Hong Kong used tear gas and warned of further measures last night as they tried to clear thousands of pro-democracy protesters gathered outside government offices.

The activists camped out on the streets outside the government complex all weekend. 

Students started the rally, but leaders of the Occupy Central civil disobedience movement joined to kick-start a long-threatened mass sit-in to demand that elections for Hong Kong’s leader be held without Beijing’s interference.

After using the tear gas, police issued a statement urging the protesters to “leave peacefully and in an orderly way.

“Otherwise police will use a higher level of force in order to restore public order and safeguard public safety.”

The State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office said that “China’s central government firmly opposes illegal acts taking place in Hong Kong” and fully supported the local government in handling the matter according to the law.