Brazil's President Michel Temer has been accused of pressuring a cabinet minister to engage in corrupt practices, BBC News reports.

Former Culture Minister Marcelo Calero said Temer asked him to help another minister in a personal business deal.

He said he was asked to allow construction of luxury apartments in a historic district of Salvador.

Calero, who resigned last week, had previously blocked the plans. President Temer has denied the allegations.

However, he admitted talking to Mr Calero about the project.

A spokeswoman for Brazil's public prosecutor told Reuters an investigation into Mr Temer may be launched.

The president has vowed to clean up corruption in Brazil, but has lost three ministers to corruption allegations.

The scandal involves government secretary Geddel Vieira Lima, who had bought a property in Salvador in Bahia state.