Police occupy favelas around Rio's Christ statue

Police in Brazil have occupied three shanty towns around Rio de Janeiro's famous Christ the Redeemer statue, ahead of a visit by Pope Francis.

There were no clashes reported as more than 400 officers entered the favelas before dawn on Monday.

The Pope is expected for the Roman Catholic celebration of World Youth Day, from 23 to 28 July.

The occupation is part of a government policy of combating drug crime ahead of the upcoming World Cup and Olympics.

Julia Carneiro reports from Rio.