In pictures: Hong Kong activists in showdown with police Published duration 28 September 2014 Related Topics 2014 Hong Kong protests

Pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong donned goggles, masks and raincoats to brace for a showdown with police.

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The activists, including supporters of the Occupy Central movement, are protesting against China's involvement in how Hong Kong's new chief executive will be elected in 2017.

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Thousands of protesters took to the streets over the weekend.

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Martin Lee, an activist and former legislator, is seen below wearing goggles and a face mask to protect himself against the use of pepper spray by the police. Some activists even wrapped their eye-ware in plastic wrap as an added precaution.

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Umbrellas were also used by protesters to shield them from pepper spray.

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The protective gear was supplied by volunteers who carried food and water to demonstration areas around the city.

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Police threw tear gas canisters into the crowd on Sunday evening in a bid to drive them back.

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The standoff between protesters and police brought parts of central Hong Kong to a standstill.

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But the tear gas and pepper spray did not deter the protesters...

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Police arrested dozens of people on Sunday, with more than 25 people hospitalised for injuries sustained in scuffles with police in riot gear.

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Thousands of protesters remained on the streets into the early hours of Monday, threatening disruption to public transport and school closures.