More than 200 activists have been arrested in Hong Kong after police cleared the main pro-democracy protest camp at Admiralty.
Pro-democracy protesters arrested and removed from the financial district, central Hong Kong. Photo: AFP
The dismantling passed off peacefully, but many activists vowed to continue with other forms of civil disobedience, according to the BBC.
Police began their operation early on Thursday in what is widely seen as the final act in the long-running protests.
The demonstrations have dwindled in recent weeks from the tens of thousands who turned out in September.
Activists want Beijing to allow free elections for the territory's next leader in 2017. China says everyone can vote but a pro-Beijing committee will screen candidates.
High profile arrests
Police officers started to clear the camp and dismantle tents after issuing orders for protesters to vacate the "occupied area" within 30 minutes or face arrest.
Protesters sit in and refuse to move. Photo: AFP
Among those arrested were opposition Democratic Party founder Martin Lee, student leader Nathan Law, media tycoon Jimmy Lai and singer Denise Ho.
Meanwhile, a dozen people who opposed the protests turned up to cheer on the police, according to the South China Morning Post.
Singer Denise Ho Wan-See is arrested and removed during the police clearance. Photo: AFP