Hong Kong (AFP) - A deadline for pro-democracy demonstrators to clear Hong Kong's barricaded streets loomed on Sunday, as the Beijing-backed leader claimed the disorder now risked "serious consequences" for public safety and Chinese state media said it had ruined the city's image.
Embattled Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said the government was determined to "take all necessary actions to restore social order" and allow residents to "return to their normal work and life". In particular he pointed to the need to allow government staff to resume work by Monday morning.