Former Brazilian President Michel Temer has been arrested in São Paulo as part of a massive corruption investigation.

Mr Temer, a 78-year-old lawyer who was in office from 2016 to 2018, is being investigated in several cases.

He has consistently denied any wrongdoing. His arrest was considered imminent after he lost his legal protection when he left office.

Many politicians and business leaders have been convicted or charged as part of the so-called Operation Car Wash.

Mr Temer was arrested in his hometown of São Paulo on Thursday morning local time and will be flown to Rio de Janeiro.

Local media say police had been trying to trace Mr Temer since Wednesday. His former Mining and Energy Minister Moreira Franco was also arrested.