Policewoman punched in face in NSW's north

A man who allegedly punched a policewoman in the face on NSW's north coast has been arrested after members of the public helped officers restrain him.

Police were called on Thursday afternoon after a man was seen in a light aircraft at Tyagarah Airfield, near Brunswick Heads.

When officers found the man walking along a road and tried to remove him he allegedly became violent and the use of capsicum spray and a Taser failed to subdue him.

He allegedly punched a female senior constable in the face and head several times before four men came to the assistance of the officers and more police arrived.

A 38-year-old man was arrested and charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm to a police officer, resisting and hindering police and possessing a prohibited drug.

He was refused bail to appear before Byron Bay Local Court on Friday.

A female officer suffered bruising and swelling to her face, head and chest and was taken to Byron Bay Hospital for treatment and later released.

Tweed/Byron Local Area Commander, Detective Superintendent Wayne Starling, said he was heartened by the response of the four men who assisted the officers.