Police are looking for two good Samaritans who helped a police officer arrest a man wanted for a criminal matter.

The incident happened in Duke Street at around 1pm on Boxing Day.

The man became violent and attempted to escape when the lone police officer tried to arrest him in the busy street and two members of the public ran over to help

The man was eventually subdued and placed in handcuffs, but the two men who had helped disappeared before other officers arrived and they could be thanked for their assistance.

Police say it's refreshing and reassuring to officers to know that there are people who will support the police and assist officers in incidents like this and they would formally like to thank the two men.

The men are asked to get in contact with Sergeant Michelle McKillop at police headquarters on 631 212.