North Korea has fired a suspected missile over Japan, in what appears to be a deliberate escalation to get the attention of Tokyo and Washington.

The ballistic missile travelled about 4,500km (2,800 miles) before falling into the Pacific Ocean - far enough to hit the US island of Guam 
The launch saw Japan issue a rare alert to some citizens to take cover.

The UN prohibits North Korea from testing ballistic and nuclear weapons. Flying missiles towards or over other countries without any pre-warning or consultation, it's also contravenes international norms.

As the missile flew overhead, they were warned to look out for falling debris.

Officials later said the intermediate-range ballistic missile fell into the Pacific Ocean far from Japan, and there were no reported injuries.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida described the launch as "violent behaviour", while defence minister Yasukazu Hamada said Japan would not rule out any options to strengthen its defences including "counterattack capabilities".

The US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson called it a "dangerous and reckless decision" that was "destabilising" to the region.

The launch comes as Japan, the US and South Korea have been working together to strengthen their defences, in response to the growing threat posed by the North Korea.