Former Defence Secretary On The DMZ

The Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has visited Korea's Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

The trip to the buffer between South Korea and its communist neighbour in the North came during a two day visit to the region.

Speaking as he toured the truce village of Panmunjom, where soldiers from either side stand guard across the border inside the DMZ, Mr Hammond said "To see these guys standing eyeball to eyeball a few metres apart is amazing."

The former Defence Secretary also called for Pyongyang to be held accountable for a recent landmine explosion that left two South Korean soldiers seriously injured.

Condeming the blast Mr Hammond called on Kim Jong-Un to explain the unprovoked attack and violation of the Armistice Agreement.

"The actions of the DPRK (North Korea) threaten stability in this region and the region is very important to us."

"I support the South Korean government's call for an urgent explanation from the North and commend its restraint in the face of provocation."

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The Foreign Secretary also paid his respects to the British servicemen who lost their lives in the 1950-53 Korean War.

Mr Hammond laid a wreath at the Gloster Hill Memorial Park near the Imjin river.

Almost 100,000 British troops fought in Korea 65 years ago - a war many veterans feel has been forgotten.

In one of the most infamous events 600 British Army soldiers took on a force of 30,000 Chinese troops attempting to cross the Imjin river.

Despite complaining to the Americans that the situation was 'a bit sticky' reinforcements were not sent to aid the Gloucestershire Regiment and permission was not given to fall back.

At the end of the battle 10,000 Chinese soldiers had fallen - British losses among the 'Glorious Glosters' stood at just 59.