Leading supporters of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement have tried to distance themselves from the actions of a small group of protesters who smashed their way into the city’s legislature overnight.

At 1am on Wednesday, a group of protesters used a metal barricade to break a side window and force their way into the main building of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council. Roughly 100 riot police were deployed to restore order with batons and pepper spray, while four men aged between 18 and 24 were arrested.

Student-led protests have been under way in Hong Kong for more than 50 days, with hundreds still camping out in three areas across the territory. Those leading the campaign – known locally by many as the “Umbrella Movement” – are calling for changes to the way Hong Kong elects its next chief executive in 2017.