The Occupy Central protest spun out of control in Hong Kong on Sunday as the local government appealed to organizers to end the gathering in the interest of the city and the safety of participants.

"The HKSAR government is resolute in opposing the unlawful occupation actions by Occupy Central. The police shall continue to handle the situation in accordance with the law," Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said at a news conference.

Dozens of tear gas canisters were fired at protesters assembling near the central government offices after 6 pm. In spite of occasional retreats, the blockade that halted traffic in the heart of the city persisted into the night.