Hong Kong businesses hit by nearly two months of illegal street occupations breathed a collective sigh of relief on Wednesday.

Police finally cleared illegal protesters camped at the main intersection in the Mong Kok district, arresting two prominent student leaders.

More than 7,000 officers backed bailiffs in clearing occupied sections of Argyle Street and Nathan Road. The two-day operation saw 148 people arrested for various offenses, including contempt of court, resisting arrest, possession of offensive weapons, unlawful assembly and assaulting police.