Police in Egypt say they have foiled an attempt to smuggle antiques and artefacts thought to be worth at least $10m to the United States.

The items seized are said to include furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl, dating back hundreds of years.

They were hidden in a consignment of goods aboard a vessel which was about to set sail from the port of Alexandria.

A businessman alleged to be behind the scheme has been arrested.

It is Egypt's second major success against smuggling recently. In June, a former police officer was arrested as he tried to board a plane with ancient Greek and Roman artefacts worth more than $30m.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service