Korean attacks threaten to escalate

South Korea has threatened stern retaliation against North Korea if it is attacked again, after the communist state fired at a South Korean island last night.

Some 200 shells were fired at Yeonpyeong Island, located close to the border of the two countries, with at least 50 striking their target.

South Korea has confirmed that its military returned fire with some 80 rounds after one of its marines was killed and a number of others injured.

South Korean news stations have showed footage of the smoke rising from the island.

The attack is one of the worst incidents between the two countries since the Korean War ended without a peace treaty in 1953.

The attack comes after North Korea showed off a new uranium enrichment facility last week.

The increase in tensions is also believed to be linked to a major military exercise on the western sea border which kicked off on Monday.

Lee Myung-bak, South Korean president, said North Korea's shelling of Yeonpyeong Island “constitutes a clear armed provocation”.

The island's 1,600-odd residents have been evacuated to a shelter.

Shots of smoking plumes coming from the island canbe viewed here: