Two more missiles have been fired by North Korea, a matter of hours after the UN Security Council condemned yesterday’s nuclear test.

The two short-range missiles were fired from an east coast base, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency.

UN diplomats said they were seeking "tough measures", including further sanctions against the communist state.

Monday's underground nuclear test was accompanied by at least three missile launches Today’s involved one surface-to-air missile and one ground-to-air missile.

Earlier, North Korea, in a statement carried by its official news agency KCNA, said it was clear America's "hostile policy" towards it had not changed.

A statement from North Korea’s KCNA news agency said: “Our army and people are fully ready for battle... against any reckless US attempt for a pre-emptive attack.”

US President Barack Obama spoke to the leaders of both Japan and South Korea last night to assure them of America's commitment to security in Northeast Asia.

The conversation followed an emergency session of the UN Security Council, where members condemned the test. Susan Rice, the US ambassador to the UN, said America wanted "strong measures" when it starts work on the resolution.