Canada terror attack suspect dies in police operation

A suicide bomb suspect has died in an operation by Canadian police to thwart what they said was a planned attack.

A senior police official said the suspect allegedly planned to use a bomb to carry out a suicide mission in a public area.

The suspect was name by the police official as Aaron Driver.

Driver was under a strict court order made earlier in 2016 to not associate with any terrorist organisation, including the so-called Islamic State.

In February, the 20-year-old's lawyer and the prosecutor agreed to a peace bond stating there were "reasonable grounds to fear that he may participate, contribute directly or indirectly in the activity of a terrorist group".

The police operation continued into Wednesday night in the southern Ontario town of Strathroy, about 140 miles south west of Toronto.

Irene Lee, a local resident described hearing a loud noise, and shortly afterwards residents were told to stay inside their homes by police.

Ms Lee added that there were around 25 police vehicles outside a house.

Earlier on Wednesday the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said it had halted a possible attack after receiving credible information of a potential terrorist threat.

It said a suspect was identified and the "proper course of action has been taken" to ensure there was no danger to public safety.

Public safety minister Ralph Goodale said he had spoken to prime minister Justin Trudeau about the events "to confirm that public safety has been and continues to be properly protected".

The national terrorism threat level for Canada remains unchanged at "medium", Mr Goodale added.