Hong Kong leader announces withdrawal of controversial extradition bill

Violent protests have rocked Hong Kong over the bill since June, with protesters angered at Beijing's creeping influence.

Hong Kong's leader, Carrie Lam, has announced she will formally withdraw the extradition bill that has sparked months of protests in the region.

She made the announcement in a video on Wednesday, saying: "The government will formally withdraw the bill, in order to fully allay public concerns.

"The secretary for security will move a motion... when the legislative council resumes."

Why are people protesting in Hong Kong?

Why did they start and when will they end?

Protests in the former British colony began in June over the bill, which would have meant criminals could be extradited to the Chinese mainland.

The announcement comes only a day after Ms Lam insisted she never asked the Chinese government to let her resign to end the city's political crisis - despite a leaked voice recording of her saying she would step down if she could.

Ms Lam has been facing increasing pressure over the draft legislation, which many see as an example of an attempt to erode the region's autonomy.

There have been often-violent protests over the bill but they have since evolved into calls for more democracy in Hong Kong.