A Jewish author is to write the first new Sherlock Holmes story in almost a century.

Anthony Horowitz has been chosen by author Arthur Conan Doyle’s estate to write what will be the fifth full-length book about the brilliant and idiosyncratic detective.

Mr Horowitz, originally from Stanmore, is best known for the bestselling children’s action-adventure series Alex Rider. But his book about life at 221b Baker Street will be aimed at adults.

The book is expected to be set in the Victorian era, as the originals were, but details are being kept under wraps until it goes on sale in September.

Mr Horowitz said the opportunity to write a sequel was one he couldn’t resist, having been a fan of the “iconic figure” since he was a teenager.

He said: “My aim is to produce a first-rate mystery for a modern audience while remaining absolutely true to the spirit of the original".

Jon Wood, deputy group publisher at Orion, said Mr Horowitz’s Sherlock adventure will be "a brilliant mystery novel, stripped back to the original style of Conan Doyle"

He added: "We are incredibly excited by what an author of Anthony's quality and Sherlock-ian expertise can bring to the greatest of all British detectives.”