Thousands of South Korean police raided a church in search of a fugitive billionaire wanted in connection with April's Seoul passenger ferry disaster.

Some 6,000 officers stormed the church in Anseong city belonging to Yoo Byung-eun, who is thought to own the firm that operated the sunken ferry.

Three church followers were detained on charges of assisting his escape.

At least 292 people died in the ferry disaster.