French police have launched an investigation into the disappearance of Interpol's president.

Meng Hongwei, a Chinese government minister, was reported missing after travelling to his native country last week.

The 64-year-old lives in Lyon with his wife and children, who have not heard from him since he left for China on 29 September, according to reports.

French police sources told Reuters and radio station Europe 1 that Mr Meng's family had been unable to contact him or locate his whereabouts.

Mr Meng was elected president of Interpol, which helps global police forces co-operate on investigations, in November 2016.

He is also China's deputy minister of public security, and has previously served as head of the country's counter-terrorism office, drugs control commission, and coast guard.