Hong Kong protests: Protesters to leave Mong Kok, Chief Executive office in major step back

Am Anti-Occupy Central protester argues with pro-democracy protesters on a main street in Hong Kong's Mongkok shopping district on Oct 4, 2014. Hong Kong's Occupy Central pro-democracy campaign announced on its Twitter page Sunday evening that i
Am Anti-Occupy Central protester argues with pro-democracy protesters on a main street in Hong Kong's Mongkok shopping district on Oct 4, 2014. Hong Kong's Occupy Central pro-democracy campaign announced on its Twitter page Sunday evening that its supporters would be leaving one of the main protest sites of, the shopping belt of Mong Kok, for another site, the government and business district of Admiralty. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

HONG KONG - Hong Kong's Occupy Central pro-democracy campaign announced on its Twitter page Sunday evening that it was leaving one of the main protest sites, the shopping belt of Mong Kok, for another site, the government and business district of Admiralty.

Protestors also decided to withdraw from the area around Chief Executive Leung Chun Ying's office "to clear traffic", South China Morning Post and Radio Television Hong Kong said.

Protestors were to maintain their blockade around the government headquarters, including the footbridge over Harcourt Road, the Post added.

Student protestors camped outside Mr Leung's office for the past four days were seen clearing out from the site minutes after the Twitter announcement. Some of them even helped police stationed outside the office to prevent students from entering the compound to remove barricades, Ming Pao Daily News reported. One was photographed by the daily shaking hands with a police officer.

The move came on the heels of clashes between supporters and opponents of the movement on Saturday and Friday. Protestors were cited as RTHK as saying they were leaving because of indecent assaults on female protesters by opponents of Occupy Central and what they said was triad involvement in trying to evict them.

The Post said the decision to leave the area surrounding Mr Leung's office was arrived at through a vote, without giving details.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.