Gates at King of Tonga's residence damaged by car

A man has been arrested after a car was crashed into the gate of the King of Tonga's Auckland residence shortly after midnight today.

Police said the car caught fire when it hit the gates and emergency services were called.

The man was not believed to be hurt but would face charges, said police.

King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, 87, had been living in Auckland since last year, Tongan officials said in May.

His Auckland residence had been the scene of numerous anti-monarchy protests.

In August last year property was damaged and punches were thrown when a protester threatened to blow himself up with a device that looked like a bomb.

Protesters then had wanted to discuss their concerns about a month-long public service strike in Tonga.

- NZPA