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 onsuspicion 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