North Korea 'has launched rocket'

The launch pad on the north-east coast has been picked up on satellite images

North Korea has launched a rocket, despite international appeals not to go ahead.

Officials from Japan, South Korea and the US confirmed lift-off at 0230 GMT. The rocket appeared to have passed over Japan to the Pacific, Tokyo said.

North Korea says it is sending a satellite into orbit, but its neighbours suspect the launch could be a cover for a long-range missile test.

The US called it "provocative", while Japan said it was "regrettable".

The South Korean government said it would "deal firmly and resolutely" with Pyongyang.

The rocket blasted off just before midday on Sunday from the Musudan-ri launch pad in the north-east of North Korea.

"The projectile launched from North Korea today appears to have passed over towards the Pacific," the Japanese prime minister's office said in a statement.

The US State Department and South Korea's presidential office also confirmed the launch.

Japan said it did not try to intercept the rocket, as it had indicated that it would if its territory was threatened.

North Korea's neighbours say the launch violates United Nations resolutions

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