North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reportedly executed a general accused of plotting a coup by throwing him into a piranha-filled fish tank.

The unnamed general was said to be the latest victim of the dictatorial leader, who has executed numerous aides, including his envoy to the US in May.

The general was allegedly killed inside a giant piranha tank built inside Kim's Ryongsong Residence, in Pyongyang, after being accused of plotting a coup, the Daily Star reported.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un allegedly executed a general accused of plotting a coup by throwing him into 'a piranha-filled fish tank

It is claimed the general had his arms and torso cut open with knives before being thrown into the tank, which was filled with hundreds of piranhas imported from Brazil, it is reported.

However, it is unclear whether the general was killed by the carnivorous fish, died from his earlier wounds, or drowned.

The meat-eating fish have razor-sharp teeth which can tear the flesh from a corpse in a matter of minutes.

The Daily Star claimed the North Korean leader may have been inspired by the 1965 James Bond movie 'You Only Live Twice' to pursue the gruesome execution method.

In the film, villain Blofeld has a pool filled with piranhas, which he uses to execute assistant Helga Brandt.

A UK intelligence force told Daily Star: 'The use of piranha is classic Kim.

The general was allegedly killed inside a giant piranha tank built inside Kim's Ryongsong Residence, in North Korea's capital Pyongyang. The fish have razor-sharp teeth which can tear the flesh from a corpse in a matter of minutes (file photo)

'He is all about using fear and terror as a political tool. Whether or not the use of piranhas is an efficient way of killing someone won't bother him.'

'He wants everyone to know, including his most trusted aides, that they are at risk of suffering a very unpleasant death if he suspects they are treasonous.

'He has executed members of his own family and killed senior government officials for not clapping loudly enough during one of his speeches.'

Other execution methods adopted by Kim include blasting alleged traitors with an anti-tank gun and burning prisoners to death with flamethrowers.

Since succeeding his father Kim Jong-il as dictator of North Korea, Kim is thought to have killed 16 senior aides.

In March, he executed his envoy to the US Kim Hyok Chol for 'betraying the supreme leader'.

Chol was said to have been shot by a firing squad at Mirim Airport for being 'won over to the US,' during nuclear negotiations with Trump.

He has also executed his army chief, the CEO of North Korea's Central Bank and ambassadors in Cuba and Malaysia.