Updated July 29, 2017 02:22:42

Photo: North Korea fired a newly developed intercontinental ballistic missile earlier this month. (Reuters: KCNA, file)

North Korea has fired what is believed to be a missile and it may have landed in the sea off Japan, Japan's Prime Minister says.

Shinzo Abe told reporters that officials are analysing the apparent launch and that he has called a meeting of the National Security Council.

"I have received information that North Korea once again conducted a missile firing," he said.

"We will immediately analyse information and do our utmost to protect the safety of the Japanese people."

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said the launch was a clear violation of United Nations resolutions.

He added that the missile flew for about 45 minutes and there had been no immediate reports of damage.

Japanese public broadcaster NHK said the coast guard issued safety warnings to aircraft and ships.

South Korea's Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff also reported the late-night test, with President Moon Jae-in calling an immediate National Security Council meeting.

The office said the missile was launched from North Korea's northern Jagang province.

In Washington, a Pentagon spokesman confirmed that a launch of a ballistic missile from North Korea had been detected.

"We are assessing and will have more information soon," Navy Captain Jeff Davis said.

North Korea earlier this month tested a newly developed intercontinental ballistic missile, drawing worldwide condemnation and calls for wider sanctions.

Analysts say that missile, named the "Hwasong 14", could be capable of reaching most of the US state of Alaska or possibly Hawaii if fired in an attacking trajectory.

It was launched at a very steep angle, a technique called lofting, and reached a height of more than 2,500 kilometres before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean 930 kilometres away.

AP

Topics: world-politics, korea-democratic-people-s-republic-of, japan

First posted July 29, 2017 01:49:56