Russian leader Vladimir Putin called Donald Trump yesterday to thank him for a CIA tip-off that helped thwart a series of bombings in St Petersburg.

The Kremlin said Mr Putin told his US counterpart that the information was sufficient to track down and detain a group of suspects that was planning to bomb Kazan Cathedral and other sites in the city.

A spokesman added that the Russian President asked Mr Trump to convey his gratitude to the CIA and said Russian law enforcement agencies will hand over any information they get about potential terror threats against the US.

The Federal Security Service announced on Friday that seven suspected Islamic State followers had been arrested for allegedly planning terror attacks in St Petersburg this weekend.

The agency said the suspects were plotting a series of explosions, including a suicide bombing in a church.

US intelligence agencies, including the CIA, believe that Russia tried to sway last year’s US presidential election in favour of Mr Trump – claims rejected by the Republican.

A special counsel is investigating whether anyone from the Trump campaign colluded.