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 outa 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