Japan on high alert after North Korea fires multiple missiles

North Korea shows no signs of slowing down its nuclear programme after four ballistic missiles were fired into the sea near Japanese territory early on Monday.

Japan is now on the highest alert level possible after three missiles were fired into its exclusive economic zone, with another dropping close to the northern region of Akita, according to government spokesman Yoshihide Suga.

Prime minister Shinzo Abe said that the threat from Kim Jong-un's regime had now reached a "new level". The missiles launched by North Korea are not thought to have been intercontinental but are the latest in a series of tests performed despite UN sanctions against Kim's regime.

"Today's launches of ballistic missiles clearly represent a new level of threat from North Korea," Abe told reporters on Monday.

"North Korea has already stated that the missiles are a new type. I believe they made that statement prior to the launches. Japan will conduct analyses of the situation with serious concerns over such aspects."

Neighbouring South Korea condemned the actions of North Korea, and warned of dire consequences if stronger action was not taken against the development of its nuclear programme.

"Having seen the brutality of North Korea from Kim Jong Nam, I'd say the consequences of the Kim Jong Un regime having nuclear weapons will be horrible," said acting president Hwang Kyo-ahn.

"This is a direct challenge to the international community and a grave violation," he added.