Baghdad, Aug 3 (DPA) At least two civilians were killed and seven others were wounded Monday when a man detonated explosives packed into his car in the western Iraqi province of al-Anbar, police said.

The bomber was trying to kill the police chief of the district of al-Saqalawiya, whose convoy was passing at the time, police in al-Anbar told DPA. The police officer escaped unscathed.

Monday's attack followed a powerful car bomb explosion in the nearby town of al-Haditha, in Iraq's Sunni heartland some 250 km north-east of Baghdad.

At least seven people were killed and 20 wounded Sunday when a powerful car bomb exploded in a crowded market in the town, police said.

Four of the wounded were in critical condition.