North Korea's "provocative" missile tests have been condemned by the UK and the EU, with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson warning Pyongyang's actions threaten world peace.

The European Union has also said it would consult with Japan and international partners on how to react.

Four banned ballistic missiles were launched 620 miles, with three of them landing in waters which Japan claims as its exclusive economic zone.

Mr Johnson said the UK was consulting other world powers, including in the UN Security Council, about the latest missile launches.

The test launches appear to be a reaction to huge US-South Korean military drills which those countries consider routine, but are viewed as an invasion rehearsal by Kim Jong Un's Pyongyang regime.

Mr Johnson said: "The UK firmly condemns North Korea's latest ballistic missile launches. These are in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions.

"We are working with international partners, including in the UN Security Council, of which the UK currently holds the presidency.

"We urge North Korea to stop its provocative actions, which threaten international peace and security.

"North Korea should instead re-engage with the international community, and take credible, concrete steps to prioritise the well-being of its own people instead of the illegal pursuit of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes."

Mr Johnson's statement is the latest sign of official concern about the secretive state's missile programme.

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini said launches were "in utter disregard" of several U.N. resolutions and further raised tension in the region.

She says North Korea needs to return to a dialogue with the international community and immediately halt plans for more such missile launches.

After a ballistic missile test in February, North Korea's ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Office and warned about the country's actions.

Inside the daily life in North Korea Show all 19 1 /19 Inside the daily life in North Korea Inside the daily life in North Korea People reading a newspaper at the metro station Inside the daily life in North Korea Thoughts of the leaders on the tram. They have about a dozen of these on every tram, all with different thoughts Inside the daily life in North Korea Young people training for a big upcoming festival Inside the daily life in North Korea People at the Pyongyang's annual marathon Inside the daily life in North Korea Many stars on one of the trolleys in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea An intimidating poster in a primary school in North Korea. Inside the daily life in North Korea Solar panels installed on a street lamp. Inside the daily life in North Korea A poster on the window next to one of the venues we visited in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea Kids playing football next to the Arch of Triumph. After a while tourists were allowed to join, so some of us did Inside the daily life in North Korea Class in an educational center in Pyongyang (where people over 17 years old can attend any classes they choose after school, for free) Inside the daily life in North Korea People waving at me during the Pyongyang marathon Inside the daily life in North Korea People having a great time dancing at a public park Inside the daily life in North Korea A metro driver in a metro station in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea Fireworks to mark the birthday of the Eternal President Kim Il Sung on our last night in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea My wonderful tour guide at a public park Inside the daily life in North Korea One of the parks in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea A person rowing some boats for the day at a river in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea The National War Museum Inside the daily life in North Korea Public park in Pyongyang

Ambassador Choe Il was told to convey the message to the government in Pyongyang in "the strongest possible terms" following the February 11 launch.

Press Association