North Korea has fired a ballistic missile into the sea, South Korean and US officials say.

They say the missile, launched off the east coast, flew about 800km (500 miles) and fell into the water. North Korea has not commented on the report.

A US defence spokesperson later said a second missile was launched.

US President Barack Obama earlier imposed new sanctions on Pyongyang, after its recent “illicit” nuclear test and satellite launch.

His executive order freezes North Korean government property in the United States.

South Korea’s Yonhap news agency also cited unnamed sources saying a second missile was detected but it may have disintegrated in mid-air.

The US and South Korea are also holding their biggest annual military drills this month, which routinely generate tension.

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