Man seized by security after running at Moroccan king's car during pope's visit

Guards intervene as motorcade travels through capital

The pope was received by Mohammed VI near Rabat. (REUTERS)

A man has reportedly been detained after running at the Moroccan king's car, during Pope Francis' visit to the North African country.

Mohammed VI was standing up in the open-top car waving at crowds lining a street in Rabat, travelling in a motorcade alongside the pope's vehicle.

The man ran towards the car but was swiftly seized by guards.

Live footage from the country's state broadcaster showed the king's car speeding up slightly but there was no other sign of disruption.

The incident occurred shortly after the pope arrived in the country on Saturday.

It was not immediately clear what the man was trying to do.

The pope is on a two-day visit to Morocco.

His trip will be focused on boosting interfaith dialogue.

Additional reporting by agencies