Protesters occupying Hong Kong's Mong Kok district have denied allegations by Hong Kong's leader that the pro-democracy movement had been influenced by foreign powers, but said they were glad their struggle had attracted international attention.

Dozens of people were injured in two nights of clashes over the weekend in the densely populated district, including 22 police officers.

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A journalist is pepper-sprayed by a police officer Chris McGrath/Getty Images
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The local journalist collapses in agony as the pepper spray takes effect Alex Ogle/AFP
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Police help the pepper-sprayed journalist by dousing him with water Alex Ogle/AFP
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Pro-democracy protesters raise their umbrellas for protection as police deploy pepper spray Anthony Wallace/AFP
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Shouting officers try to move pro-democracy protesters to clear a road in the Mong Kok district Ed Jones/AFP
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The standoff continues as scuffles break out in the streets of Mong Kok Paula Bronstein/Getty
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A police officer recovers from a clash with pro-democracy protesters Anthony Wallace/AFP
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Bystanders watch as pro-democracy protesters approach a police line Ed Jones/AFP
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A hail of camera flashes capture the moment pro-democracy protesters corner police officers and take back a street Chris McGrath/Getty Images
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Police officers retreat as pro-democracy protesters retake a road that they were occupying in the Mong Kok district Ed Jones/AFP

In what has become a daily pattern, police pushed the students away from some streets during the night, only to see them regroup and reoccupy the areas.

The protests are now stretching into their fourth week, with thousands of demonstrators camped out in three sites.

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Locals gather to watch as police officers stand guard at an intersection that had been part of a pro-democracy occupation but was taken back by force Alex Ogle/AFP
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Pro-democracy protesters' latest ploy is to hold up mirrors in front of a police line Tyrone Siu/Getty
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A policeman wielding a baton advances towards pro-democracy protesters on a street in the Mong Kok district Ed Jones/AFP
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A police officer breaks through the umbrellas to strike at pro-democracy protesters Chris McGrath/Getty Images
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A man wearing protective gear and carrying a Captain America shield stands at a pro-democracy protest barricade Alex Ogle/AFP
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A pro-democracy protester uses a traffic light to get a better view in the Mong Kok district Philippe Lopez/AFP
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Pro-democracy protesters dress themselves in makeshift protective gear in anticipation of clashes with police Chris McGrath/Getty Images
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A pro-democracy protester faces off against the police Paula Bronstein/Getty

Nearly 300 people have been taken to hospital emergency rooms with injuries related to the protests since 28 September, the city's Hospital Authority reported.

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