DANGER TO THE WORLD; Fears over North Korea nuke test.

Byline: BOB ROBERTS

NORTH Korea was yesterday branded a threat to world peace after it tested another nuclear bomb.

As UN officials met to discuss further sanctions against the country US President Barack Obama said: "This is a matter of grave concern to all nations.

"North Korea's attempts to develop nuclear weapons, as well as its ballistic missiles, are a threat to international peace and security."

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown also spoke of his fears that communist leaders were stepping up their weapons programme to attack old enemy South Korea.

Mr Brown said: "I condemn North Korea's nuclear test in the strongest terms as misguided and a danger to the world.

"This act will undermine prospects for peace on the Korean peninsula and do nothing for North Korea's security."

The secretive regime exploded a device the size of the Nagasaki bomb in the Second World War in an underground test in the north east of the country. It also tried out several missiles.

If it launched an attack, America would back up South Korea and China, which neighbours North Korea, could then be drawn in - risking a global conflict.

But China condemned the bomb test. It said: "The Chinese demands North Korea abides by its denuclearisation promises, stop any actions which may worsen the situation and return to the talks process."

However, it is likely Beijing would block any sanctions. Some saw the latest move as a signal by North Korea leader Kim Jongil, 67, that he is firmly back in power after an illness.

But Foreign Office minister Bill Rammell, who in 2004 became the only British minister ever to visit the communist nation, said the regime could be trying to show its strength before handing over power to a new boss. North Korea has a long history of provoking the international community. Its first nuclear test in 2006 led to tough UN sanctions.

Seismologists from the US, Japan and South Korea reported evidence of activity in North Korea early yesterday.

The Russian defence ministry said the force of the nuclear blast was 10 to 20 kilotons.

CAPTION(S):

TYRANT Leader Jong-il