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Nearly 100 pro-democracy protesters, some scaling fences, tried to occupy part of a plaza at the main government compound in Hong Kong late Friday, before police using pepper spray moved swiftly in an attempt to disperse the crowd.

The protesters, apparently among a group of students and activists who have been demonstrating to show displeasure with local government and Chinese authorities in Beijing, were cheered by more than 1,000 supporters. Many people and police officers remained in the area early Saturday.

Six people, including a 16-year-old, were arrested, police said.

Augustine Yung, 27, said he went to the area to support the protesters and witness their treatment by police.

"The government gives us an illusion of freedom, when in fact our sphere of liberty is getting ever smaller," he said.

The move to try to occupy the public plaza, which had been fenced off after another recent protest, came after thousands of university students in Hong Kong had skipped classes this week to criticize government authorities who they say are not allowing an open process in the election of a new chief executive, Hong Kong's highest office.

During the five-day boycott, students scattered across the lush lawns outside the local government compound instead of attending classes. By day, many listened intently to academics and civic leaders lecturing on activism and democracy movements at home and abroad.

At one gathering of activists, the seemingly convivial atmosphere was belied by stridently worded banners, some reading, "End one-party rule" or "Resist, and fight for self-determination."

At dusk, many more people joined the demonstration to hear rousing speeches and view documentaries.

Late Thursday, as many as 4,000 protesters reportedly marched to the mansion of the city's chief executive, Leung Chun-ying, to demand reforms.

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Six arrested as Hong Kong protesters storm government plaza