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Armed police in Newcastle arrest man for alleged terrorism offences

Armed police officer
The 33-year-old suspect was detained on Tuesday in what police say was an ‘intelligence led and pre-planned’ operation. Photograph: Jane Barlow/PA

Armed police have arrested a 33-year-old man on suspicion of alleged Islamist terrorism offences in Newcastle.

The suspect was detained in what police described as an “intelligence led and pre-planned” operation on Tuesday morning.

Residents described seeing armed officers “dressed like soldiers” in the Arthur’s Hill area of Newcastle as properties were evacuated near a primary school.

A spokeswoman for the north-east counter-terrorism unit said houses were evacuated “as a precautionary measure” within the cordon on Philip Place, a cul-de-sac about a mile from the city centre.

The suspect was taken to a police station in West Yorkshire, where he will be questioned on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

The terrorism unit said residents would be kept informed where possible, and officers were grateful for their understanding, patience and support.

One local resident, Aaron Potter, told the Newcastle Chronicle the police were “dressed like soldiers and had guns – it is armed response. They told us to come up here and evacuated the street.”

A nearby primary school, Moorside, remained open although parents were reportedly allowed to collect their children if they wished.

Ch Supt Neil Hutchison, the local policing commander for Newcastle, said: “I understand our communities will have concerns about this morning’s police activity but I want to offer my reassurance that we are here to serve and protect the public of Northumbria.

“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.”

Newcastle city council has been contacted for a comment.