A commemoration service has taken place in the Japanese city of Nagasaki to remember the victims of the atom bomb that was dropped on the city 70 years ago by the United States.

At least 70,000 people died in the attack which came three days after another bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.

A minute's silence and bells marked the time of the explosion at 11.02am (2.02am Irish time) in the morning.

Days after the attack, Japan surrendered ending World War Two.

Speaking at the ceremony, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, “as the only country attacked with an atomic bomb in war, I am renewing our determination to lead the global effort of nuclear disarmament... to create a world without such weapons”.

In a statement UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon stressed that Nagasaki 'must be the last' use of an atomic bomb, saying "the humanitarian consequences are too great. No more Nagasakis. No more Hiroshimas".

However there was also criticism from some attendees, including survivors of the atomic bombing, of new security legislation being introduced by Mr Abe's government that could see the role of their military expanded overseas.

The city's mayor Tomihisa Taue said there was widespread 'unease' over the plans.

Guests from 75 countries attended the ceremony at the city's Peace Park.