North Korean leader Kim Jong Un replaced several senior officials after a “crucial” coronavirus incident, state media reported, in what analysts said was a signal the disease had breached its defences.

Officials had neglected their duties and caused a “crucial” incident, “creating a great crisis in ensuring the security of the state and safety of the people and entailed grave consequences”, Kim told a politburo meeting, according to the state Korean Central News Agency.

It did not specify any details of what had happened.

But Kim added that cadres' “lack of ability and irresponsibility” had hindered the implementation of important tasks, accusing them of “self-protectionism and passiveness”.