The Governor of California has signed a bill which no longer requires citizens to help a police officer during an arrest.

The previous law, established in 1872, stated that any 'able-bodied person' aged 18 or over in the state of California must help an officer if they require assistance.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the new bill on Tuesday to scrap the law.

California Governor Gavin Newsom (pictured) signed the new bill on Thursday

The previous law, established in 1872, stated that any 'able-bodied person' aged 18 or over in the state of California must help an officer if they require assistance

Los Angeles Democrat Sen. Bob Hertzberg, who supported the bill, called the old law a 'vestige of a bygone era.'

The law had been used to help catch runaway slaves and was implemented in 1872 under the California Posse Comitatus Act.

It made it illegal for 'able-bodied' people over 18 to refuse to help a police officer 'in making an arrest, retaking into custody a person who has escaped from arrest or imprisonment, or preventing a breach of the peace or the commission of any criminal offense.'

Disobeying the law carried a fine of up to $1,000.

The California State Sheriff's Association said it is 'unconvinced that this statute should be repealed.'