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Pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong say they have no choice, but to call off talks with the government on electoral reforms. This comes after mobs of people tried to drive them from the streets Friday.

Clashes broke out between protesters and residents in Hong Kong Friday at one of the demonstration sites.

Local residents and pro-Beijing supporters tried to evict protesters from the streets they’re occupying. There was pushing and shoving as police tried to keep the groups apart. Some protesters linked hands as they tried to stand their ground. At one point, police brought in a stretcher to take away a young man who appeared to be injured.

Earlier in the day, the Hong Kong Federation of Students said in a statement that they planned to join the talks with the government, focused specifically on political reforms. The group reiterated that the chief executive should step down.

Occupy Central, a wider pro-democracy group that has joined the student protests, welcomed the talks and also insisted that the chief executive quit.

Benny Tai, Occupy Central: “We have been talking for so long that we join with the Scholarism (Hong Kong student activist group) and also the (Hong Kong) Federation of Students in facilitating the Occupy Movement and also facilitating a solution to be arrived at.”

Hui Chun-Tak, Police Superintendent: “Police will continue to closely monitor the situation and we will take decisive and robust action against any illegal behavior. So we’ll also arrange suitable duties to deal with the situation and we will not tolerate any violent acts.”

The pro-democracy supporters shelved talks after mobs of people tried to drive them away. Some of those clashing with the protesters wore ribbons in support of the Chinese government, while others were local residents fed up with blocked streets.