Long-range NKorean missile failed, US official says

WASHINGTON, July 4 (Reuters) A long-range North Korean missile, apparently a Taepodong 2, failed 40 seconds after it was launched, a US State Department official told Reuters today.

''We believe it was the Taepodong 2,'' said the official, who asked not to be named. A senior Defense Department official said North Korea had launched at least three missiles, at least two of them short-range Scud-type missiles.

At the United Nations, US Ambassador John Bolton said in a statement he was ''urgently consulting'' with other members of the 15-nation Security Council on the matter. US officials said it was too early to decide whether to call a meeting.

A White House spokeswoman said staff were urgently consulting on North Korea's move but had no comment at this time. ''We have absolutely nothing at this point,'' said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino.

Reuters DH VP0325