Why pair won’t face charges

UNDER German law, children under the age of 14 cannot be held criminally responsible for offences.

Liability is upon their legal guardians or the local youth welfare office.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland however minors can be held responsible for offences committed when they reach ten. In Scotland the age is set at 12. In Portugal it is 16 and in the Netherlands it is 15.

The UK has been criticised by human rights organisations over its relatively low age of criminal responsibility.

In Germany those from the age of 14 to 18 are considered to be youths and can be held responsible only if they are morally and mentally mature when the alleged offence took place.