Berlin: A 12-year-old boy attempted twice to launch terrorist attacks in the western German city of Ludwigshafen this and last month, a local prosecutor confirmed on Friday.

The boy tried to target a local Christmas market on November 26 and the areas near the city hall on December 5 with explosives, but failed both times to ignite them, Xinhua news agency reported.

The backpack with explosives was noticed by passengers near the city hall and reported to the police, prompting the next investigation.

The boy, born in Ludwigshafen with dual German and Iraqi nationality, was allegedly strongly radicalised and could have been instigated by the Islamic State, local media reported.

He is currently staying at the local youth office. He will not be charged because of his age, according to the prosecutor.