Hong Kong protests: Leader CY Leung urges crowds to leave

Hong Kong leader CY Leung has urged pro-democracy protesters to "immediately" stop their campaign, as huge crowds continue to bring parts of the territory to a standstill, the BBC reported.

On Monday night, tens of thousands blocked streets, singing and chanting.

The protesters want Beijing to give Hong Kong a free vote for its next leader, something Beijing has rejected.

By Tuesday streets were relatively quiet but crowds are expected to swell for the eve of Chinese National Day.

Over the weekend police used tear gas and pepper spray, but riot police have since been withdrawn and protesters remain calm.

However, key parts of the city are being blocked by protesters, with some schools and banks closed.

The protesters want Mr Leung, the chief executive, to step down. But he appeared to reject this, saying such a move would represent a step backwards.

"Any personnel change before the implementation of universal suffrage is achieved would only allow Hong Kong to continue to pick its leader under the Election Committee model," he said.