BEIJING: Hong Kong ’s pro-democracy movement took a new turn on Saturday with protesting students retaking the Mong Kok shopping district from the police, who had earlier removed barricades and driven away the demonstrators from the area.

Clashes broke out between the demonstrators and police resulting in dozens of injuries. At least 15 police officers have been injured.

The government’s initial success in clearing the streets suffered a major setback as traffic closed in the Mong Kok area on Saturday.

Around 10,000 protesters began marching into the Mong Kok area late in the night pushing past the police lines with open umbrellas, which have now become the symbol of the movement.

By morning, the protesters had managed to enter the Mong Kok area and were seen swarming the streets.

Clashes broke out as police tried to resist the marchers. The police initially used batons and pepper spray. But it was overwhelmed by the sheer number of the marchers.

At least 26 protesters have been arrested.

Local television showed footage of clashes between the two sides.

The Occupy Central, which is the apex body of protesters, said in a statement that the government’s drive against the movement had "triggered a new wave of occupations and worsened relations between police and citizens".

The umbrellas were also used to protect the demonstrators from the pepper sprays of the police.

The government has agreed to hold talks with student leaders on Tuesday. It had earlier cancelled planned talks for last Friday saying student leaders could not be trusted as they talked about negotiations and enhancing agitation at the same time.

Government’s response to today’s development might determine the fate of the planned meeting on Tuesday.