Former Brazilian President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva has passed the night in a union building in his hometown outside Sao Paulo, after missing a deadline to hand himself over to the authorities.

Lula, 72, was due to start a 12-year prison term for corruption and money-laundering after a trial he says was politically motivated.

Lula's lawyers argue he should remain free pending appeals.

Reports suggest police in Sao Paolo are preparing to bring him in.

Supporters spent the night outside the building in the suburb of Sao Bernardo do Campo, where Lula built his trade union and political career.

"I think that if the federal police come here now to arrest Lula, they won't have room to get in," Lula supporter Joao Xavier told Reuters news agency.

The former metalworker and trade union activist is an iconic figure for the left in Latin America. He the first left-wing leader to make it to the Brazilian presidency in nearly half a century.

The authorities stress he is not being regarded as a fugitive, as everyone knows where he is.

A Roman Catholic Mass was due to be celebrated at the union building early on Saturday, in memory of Lula's late wife Marisa Leticia who died last year.

Read more on BBC.