A POLICE boss has slammed the "despicable" assault" of a plain clothes officer whilst on duty in Bangor.

The lone officer's taser was stolen during the incident which happened on the High Street at around 1.30pm on Thursday.

A "significant" police presence has since been drafted into the city as police continue to investigate, and the search goes on for the missing weapon.

Five males, three of whom are local to the area, remain in custody.

They were arrested on suspicion of robbery and assault of an emergency services worker.

County Chief Inspector for Gwynedd Mark Armstrong said: “This despicable assault on a plain clothes Police Officer, going about his duties has resulted in a significant police presence in and around the Bangor area over the past 24 hours.

"Our primary aim at this time is to ensure public safety, and recover the outstanding taser, whilst ensuring we gather evidence in relation to the investigation.

"Despite needing hospital treatment, the lone officer who was the subject of this assault, appears not to have been seriously injured.”

"The five suspects alleged to have been involved in this incident remain in custody, and our enquiries will continue throughout the coming days.

"I am very grateful to the residents and business people of Bangor for their support following the incident, and would like to reassure residents and visitors to Bangor, that this appears to have been an isolated incident, and that an increased Police presence will be visible in the area over the coming days, to reassure the public, and allow them to go about their business."

The police chief is now asking the public for their support, particularly with locating the missing taser.

He added: "I would implore anyone who may find this item, not to touch or interfere with it, and to contact North Wales Police on 101 immediately, so it can be safely recovered.”

If anyone has information that may assist the police in locating the taser or witnessed the assault, they should contact North Wales Police on 101, quoting the reference X093333, or contact Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555 111.”