Donald Trump yesterday led world condemnation of North Korea’s biggest ever nuclear test, describing the actions of the “rogue nation” as “very hostile and dangerous” to the US.

In a series of tweets, he also poured scorn on South Korea for what he said were attempts at “appeasement” even though most allies believe Washington has little option but to pursue diplomatic efforts to resolve the nuclear crisis.

His impatience with diplomacy risks dividing the international alliance arrayed against Pyongyang, as Theresa May called for action at the United Nations Security Council.

His comments followed Pyongyang’s sixth nuclear test and the first since Mr Trump took power. It was conducted in defiance of the American President’s recent promises to rain “fire and fury” on the country if it continued threatening the US.