A MAN has pleaded guilty to more than 20 horrific sex attacks on children in a case that has shocked detectives.

Ronald Anderson, 48, admitted 22 charges, including two of attempted rape against a 10-year-old girl, and faces up to 18 years in prison.

Det Sgt Simon Newall, who led the investigation, said: "I am pleased that he has pleaded guilty because it has saved the young children from the ordeal of going to court.

"There are 13 child victims and going to court for a trial is traumatic for anyone and especially for people so young."

Anderson committed the crimes at his home in Tatton Close during a two-year period and police were alerted after one girl told her parents he had taken a picture of her getting out of a paddling pool.

Det Sgt Newall said: "We went to his home that night and seized a camera and computer.

"Once we had processed the computer we found pictures he had taken that caused great concern. We had the pictures that Anderson took and we had to try to trace the children in them through Social Services and schools.

"We got one complaint and then it just snowballed from there and more and more people came forward.

"As word of mouth got round, more and more people came forward to say their child had been a victim.

"Once we showed these photographs to the defence legal team they realised they were taken in Anderson's home and that they were very compelling pieces of evidence and he pleaded guilty."

Det Sgt Newall has described the case as the worst of its kind he has had to deal with.

He said: "He is a predatory paedophile who preys on young children.

"I have not been involved in a worse case than this and, although sentencing will be up to the judge, he can expect a lengthy sentence."

Anderson has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Monday.