French police search Sarkozy's home

French investigators have searched the home and offices of former president Nicolas Sarkozy as part of a probe into suspected illegal financing of his 2007 presidential campaign, an official said.

Judge Jean-Michel Gentil and other investigators from the Paris financial crimes unit conducted the search, the official said.

The probe centres on the finances of France’s richest woman, L’Oreal cosmetics heiress Lilliane Bettencourt.

Allegations have emerged that she provided illegal campaign cash to Mr Sarkozy’s party.

Mr Sarkozy, who lost the presidency to Francois Hollande in May elections, denies the claims.