(File photo) Photo: 123RF
Auckland police are investigating claims a man was assaulted outside the Destiny Church in the Auckland suburb of Wiri - a claim the church strongly denies.
Police responded to a report of a fight between a man and two occupants of a property on Druces Road.
It happened after the man was seen attaching a rainbow flag to the top of a nearby Norfolk pine tree.
In a statement, a Destiny Church spokesman denied that a man had been assaulted.
"This individual is just mischief-making, looking to make headlines to wind up the rainbow community and to make Destiny Church look bad.
"Our security team noted that a prowler was on the church's private property, and the prowler proceeded to climb a tree to erect a flag. The police were called.
"The local Manukau police attended, and they will confirm our story... The police said no action was necessary on their part."
"Our security team and the police noted that the guy already had a black eye, so I sincerely hope he is not trying to accuse us of this, for the sake of a bit of drama to suit their case."
Police said they were making enquiries to find out what took place.
They said no injuries were reported and an ambulance was not needed.