POLICE are trying to trace a Good Samaritan who assisted them with a violent prisoner.

The incident took place in Johnstown during the early hours of Sunday.

At approximately 12.30am two police officers were on patrol in the Johnstown area when they were informed that a man was trying to use counterfeit money at the Snax petrol station.

Both officers arrived and challenged the man who then became violent.

Inspector Steven Owens said: “Whilst the man was being detained he became violent and assaulted both officers. A member of the public stepped forward and assisted police by helping to restrain him. The incident would have escalated had it not been for his assistance.

“Unfortunately he left before we had the opportunity to record his details and we’d like to trace him so that we can say thank you.

“We have reviewed CCTV images but we are unable to see the man’s face in the footage, hence we cannot identify him.

“Thankfully, despite having items thrown towards them, being spat at and the man attempting to bite, both officers remained on duty.

“If you were that man, or if you know who he was, please get in touch with us by quoting reference number 18300093368.”

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of two counts of assault police, drug driving and counterfeit currency. He has since been released under investigation.

Anybody with information in relation to the incident is asked to contact officers at Wrexham Police Station via 101.