Police have foiled a suspected bomb plot inspired by Islamic State in the run up to Christmas, it emerged yesterday.

More than a hundred officers swooped on a quiet cul-de-sac in Newcastle upon Tyne yesterday to arrest an alleged lone wolf plotter said to be under the spell of the terror group.

Fearing that explosives may be present, more than 150 houses were evacuated as well as a school when elite counter-terrorism officers raided an address in the Arthur's Hill area of the city less than a mile from St James's Park football stadium and the Eldon Square shopping centre.

Dozens of locals were taken to a community centre while searches were carried out at the suspect's property for any explosives or weapons.

A 33-year-old man was arrested at the property on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

More than a hundred officers swooped on a quiet cul-de-sac in Newcastle upon Tyne yesterday to arrest an alleged lone wolf plotter said to be under the spell of the terror group

It is understood residents were evacuated from their homes in what the police have described as part of an 'intelligence led and pre-planned' investigation

But hours after his arrest the cordon was taken down after no explosives were found.

Last night the suspect was last night being questioned at a police station on West Yorkshire.

It is understood police decided to move in amid fears that a lone wolf bomb attack was being plotted in the run up to Christmas.

Specialist forensic officers were last night continuing to carry out a fingertip search of the property.

A police spokesman said the operation had been the result of a pre-planned, intelligence led investigation and warned locals that armed officers were likely to remain at the scene for some time.

Locals expressed their shock at seeing police officers in military style uniforms descending on the normally quiet street shortly after 10am.

Neighbours described the man who was living at the address as an Asian man in his 30s, but said they knew little about him.

Among those whose homes were evacuated in the residential area was the father of troubled TV presenter Ant McPartlin.

One of the cordoned off roads was once home to teenage bomb plotter Liam Lyburd who was jailed for life in 2015 for an unrelated plot to carry out a massacre at Newcastle College.

Chief Superintendent Neil Hutchinson said: 'Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North East, supported by Northumbria Police have this morning (TUES) arrested a man in the Arthur's Hill area of Newcastle on suspicion of terrorism offences.

'The 33-year-old has been taken to a police station in West Yorkshire for questioning.

'The arrest was intelligence led and pre-planned as part of an ongoing investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East.

'As part of the operation a number of residents were evacuated from properties as a precautionary measure.

'Officers also attended a nearby school to offer reassurance and ensure pupils were away from a nearby property which was being searched as part of the operation.

'When we were satisfied there was no threat posed at this address, residents were allowed to go back home and the school returned to normal.

The suspect has been taken to a police station in West Yorkshire where he will be questioned by counter-terror officers

A large area of Arthur's Hill, a residential area west of the city, has been taped off and around 100 officers and 40 police vehicles are at the scene

'A police presence remains at the address, including armed officers, and activity will continue for some time.

'I understand our communities will have concerns but I want to offer my reassurance that we are here to serve and protect them.

'I would also like to thank all of those who have been affected for their patience and understanding, along with our partners who have supported us throughout this operation.

'We work very closely with our colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing North East and we will ensure we maintain these strong links in order to provide a high level of service to you.

'Public service is our utmost concern.

'We would ask the public to be vigilant and if you see or hear something that could be suspicious, act on your instincts and call the police.'