Hong Kong Police Warn Protesters Against Occupying Government Buildings

HONG KONG (Reuters) - The Hong Kong government on Thursday urged protesters to end a blockade of the city center immediately, saying their actions were affecting public order and the provision of public services.

"About 3,000 government officials will try their best tomorrow to return to work as (much) as possible. To maintain public service, the government headquarters must operate as usual," the government said in a statement.

"We urge the Occupy Central leaders and organizers to stop the movement immediately."

In a separate briefing, Steve Hui, senior superintendent of the Hong Kong police force, urged protesters not to block or charge at government buildings, saying police would take action in accordance with the law if they did.

Protesters have been occupying parts of Hong Kong since last weekend, demanding that Hong Kong's leader,Leung Chun-ying, step down, and to voice their support for full democracy in the Chinese territory to allow them to freely choose their own leader.

(Reporting by Twinnie Siu and Donny Kwok; Writing by Jason Subler; Editing by Jeremy Laurence)