HONG KONG, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters clashed with police Sunday resulting in 26 injuries and 78 arrests.
Riot police used batons, pepper spray and tear gas against the protesters, comprised mostly of students and members of the Occupy Central movement.
The Hong Kong Hospital Authority told CNN 26 people were hospitalized with injuries.
The Hong Kong Information Services Department said six police officers were injured, though it wasn't clear if they were included in the 26 hospitalizations.
The protests calmed Sunday after organizers asked demonstrators to leave their occupation of government property out of fear police might begin using rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
The protests were sparked by a plan to allow the public to vote for the city's chief executive but only after a committee screens out candidates who don't have the backing of the government