A SUPERMARKET shopper has relived the moment he went to the aid of a policewoman who had been attacked.

Alan Yates was among a group of people who intervened when a shoplifter assaulted the officer in Sainsbury’s.

Witnesses said the man head-butted PC Janette Cahill in the face and knocked her to the ground as she tried to apprehend him.

Mr Yates, of Daubhill, stepped in as a female store assistant struggled to detain the man.

He forced the shoplifter’s arms behind his back and handcuffed him, with the help of another customer.

Mr Yates, who was shopping with his wife, Annemarie, said: “We heard someone shouting for help so I went to see what was happening. The policewoman had been pushed over and blood was pouring from her nose, she was very distressed. An assistant was trying to get hold of the man, but he knocked her over, he was like a man possessed.

“I grabbed him and put his arms behind his back, with the help of someone else I handcuffed him.

“Someone radioed for help and I handed the man over to the police when they arrived. I didn’t even give it a second’s thought, I just had to help.”

Mr Yates was joined by supermarket staff, members of the public, security staff from TK Maxx and an off-duty police officer, who all went to the policewoman’s aid during the incident, which happened at Sainsbury’s Trinity Street store at around 2.20pm on November 17.

The group have been praised by Sgt Paul Ellis, who plans to send them personal letters of thanks.

PC Cahill received treatment in hospital for her injuries.

A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and has been bailed until December 23.