An arrest warrant has been issued for 30-year-old Phillip Said over the incident last Friday night.

The off-duty officer had been with a friend when they noticed a woman near a building site.

The officer identified herself and spoke to the woman, and a man appeared from near a parked car.

The couple tried to leave the area and the officer and her friend tried to stop them. The man then pulled a knife.

The officers said he had pushed them several times and threatened them before they had driven off.

Police arrested a 40-year-old woman at a Swan Street house on Saturday and charged her with stealing and trespassing — as well as shoplifting over an unrelated matter.

They are now seeking Said over the incident and for several warrants.

They appealed for help to find him, but warned people not to approach him.

Said, who is of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern appearance, is about 170 centimetres tall. He has a solid build, olive complexion, a beard and dark hair.

Anyone who sees Said should contact triple-0.