Hundreds of people march through the streets of Hong Kong demanding "justice" following the death of a leading mainland dissident.

Under the watchful eyes of police, they descend on a hotel rumoured to house Chinese president Hu Jintao - in town for an official visit.

They called for an investigation into the death of labour activist Li Wangyang.

He was found hanging from a noose in a hospital earlier this month - a death officials said was suicide.

But many of his supporters suspect foul play was involved.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) PROTEST ORGANISER AND LEGISLATOR LI CHEUK-YAN SAYING:

"His (Li Wangyang's) bravery, his courage, is a symbol for those who are (in) defiance of the Communist Party in China. And so he is very important to the people of Hong Kong, we want to support him, we want to demand justice for him."

Hu is in Hong Kong for a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of the British handover of the city to China.

Andrew Raven, Reuters