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Police arrested key student leaders of Hong Kongs pro-democracy protests Wednesday as they cleared barricades in one volatile district, throwing into doubt the future of a two-month-old movement seeking free elections. (AP)

HONG KONG Police cleared the remaining barricades from one of Hong Kongs largest protest sites Wednesday and arrested two pro-democracy leaders as authorities stepped up their efforts to end the two-month-long civil disobedience campaign.

Hundreds of protesters chanted for full democracy as workers in red caps and I love Hong Kong T-shirts began clearing the metal and wooden barricades in the shopping streets of Mong Kok, a crowded working-class neighborhood that has become a flash point between protesters and opponents during the occupation.

The protests and clashes which began over Beijings controls over Hong Kong elections increased into a wider challenge over central government control in the former British colony and whether its traditions of relative freedoms can endure.

Authorities opened dialogue with demonstrators, but have refused to significantly change policies over the administration of Hong Kong, which was turned over by Britain in 1997.

On Wednesday, police in helmets soon waved away the workers and took over the operation, gathering up more barricades, as well as tents, canopies and other debris. Onlookers clapped and cheered the police as they cleared the final obstructions.

You are kids, and the whole of society does not support you, one woman shouted at the protesters.

The operation was carried out after taxi drivers won a court case demanding the streets be cleared. Public opinion has turned against the civil disobedience campaign the longer it has dragged on, although support remains strong for the protesters goals.

Riot police and protesters faced off intermittently during the day, with officers slowly pushing activists back and arresting anyone who failed to retreat quickly enough.

Among those arrested were Joshua Wong, the 18-year-old protester who is the most recognizable face of the movement, and Lester Shum, one the leaders of the Hong Kong Federation of Students, who took part in talks with the government last month.

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Hong Kong police clear pro-democracy demonstrators protest site