File image of He Xiangjian. Image courtesy: Forbes

Five people have been arrested in China after an unsuccessful attempt to kidnap one of the country’s richest men, He Xiangjian.

He Xiangjian is the billionaire founder of the Midea Group, one of the world’s biggest home appliance manufacturers.

Police were notified of the break-in on Sunday at his luxury villa in Foshan city in southern Guangdong province by his son who gt away from the intruders, according to reports.

All involved were arrested and no one hurt, said police.

He Xiangjian’s son reportedly sneaked out of the property and swam across a nearby river to seek help.

The police in Foshan received a call on Sunday evening saying that suspects had entered He Xiangjian’s luxury villa, and were believed to be carrying explosive devices.

The call is believed to have been made by He Jianfeng, the tycoon’s 55-year-old son and one of the group’s directors.