HONG KONG — Dozens of pro-democracy protesters are in a tense standoff with a large number of riot police near Hong Kong's government headquarters.

Television stations showed hundreds of police wearing helmets and holding shields facing off with student-led protesters, who have been locked in a stalemate with the authorities after the government called off negotiations last week.

Local television reports said the standoff Tuesday night began when protesters advanced toward the government headquarters. The reports said police used pepper spray to try to disperse protesters.