Hong Kong protest sees thousands call for city leader to step down: live updates - CNN

Protesters attend a demonstration demanding Hong Kong's leaders to step down. Tyrone Siu/Reuters

The atmosphere at the protest has so far been relaxed, with little sign of the violence that marred Wednesday's demonstrations.

But there is still clear anger towards the city's police force.

On seeing police vans travel over the crowd on a bridge in Admiralty, the crowd breaks out in a loud chorus of boos.

The city was brought to a standstill Wednesday, when tens of thousands of mostly young protesters blocked the route leading to the Legislative Council buildings, where lawmakers were due to debate the extradition bill.

As many as 5,000 riot police were deployed to break up the crowd, leading to violent clashes and allegations of police brutality.

Videos from Wednesday's protest showed police spraying tear gas directly into protester's faces and beating them with batons.

Many of today's protesters are holding signs condemning police action. Protest organizers meanwhile have called on authorities to drop charges against the 11 people arrested during protests Wednesday.