French conservative candidate, Francois Fillon home raided

The Paris home of France's conservative presidential candidate
Francois Fillon has been raided by investigators, French media
report.

The search was part of an investigation into an allegedly fake job
given to his wife. He denies any wrongdoing.

Mr Fillon has vowed to continue his presidential campaign,
despite growing pressure for him to step down.

He was once seen as the favourite to win the election but his poll
ratings have dropped since the scandal emerged.

The allegations circling around the Fillon family focus mainly on
his Welsh-born wife Penelope, who is also reported to be facing
an investigation.

The Le Canard Enchaine newspaper alleges she was paid
€831,400 (£710,000; $900,000) over several years for working
as a parliamentary assistant for Mr Fillon and his successor, but
had no parliamentary pass - raising questions over whether she
did the work she was paid for.

On Wednesday, Mr Fillon said he had been summoned to appear
before a judge over the case.

He complained he was the victim of a "political assassination",
and vowed to continue his run for president - despite previously
pledging to stand down if his case was placed under formal
investigation.

Following his announcement, several key allies resigned, including
his foreign affairs spokesman and deputy campaign director.

The raid on Thursday morning happened as the candidate visited
winegrowers in southern France.

The search was confirmed by several unnamed sources, including
a campaign staff, to French media.

His parliamentary office had already been searched last month.

Many on the right will see the operation as another sign of how
the scandal has totally eclipsed Mr Fillon's ability to run a
campaign.

For the first time since the affair broke out a month ago, there
 is open dissension in the ranks about his candidacy, our
correspondent adds.

Senior Republicans have gathered support for ex-Prime Minister
Alain Juppe, 71, who was defeated by Mr Fillon in the primaries.

But, despite the setbacks, thousands of supporters turned out to
his rally in the town of Nimes on Thursday evening.

Mr Fillon will appear in court on 15 March, just two days before
the deadline for candidates to submit their final applications.

The first round of the election takes place on 23 April, followed
by a run-off on 7 May.