A Polynesian man in bare feet has become a hero in Mount Roskill.

He happened to be in the Auckland suburb, as police were preparing to apprehend a man in relation to a kidnapping.

The barefoot bystander watched the man run away from police, and took chase along with officers.

He tackled the man to the ground, allowing police to handcuff and arrest him.

The offender is charged with kidnapping, assault, wounding and injuring with intent involving three separate women.

Police tried to get the humble bystander's details to formally thank him, but he declined and continued shopping..