Two elder missionaries, a Tongan and a foreigner,  for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were attacked in Fangaloto, Tongatapu in the last week of January.

The two missionaries were known as Elder Mahe and Elder Lao. They were attacked by two drunken men, Police Inspector Mema Latu told local media.

Two locals intervened and protected the missionaries by fighting back against the attackers before Police arrived, one report said.

The elders were taken to hospital and were treated with minor injuries.

Another report said the attackers sustained major injuries when they were attacked by the locals and were also taken to hospital.

Police said the two missionaries have forgiven their attackers and told Police they did not want them to be charged.