A TEENAGE sex attacker who targeted two six-year-old boys was jailed for two years yesterday.

Paul McLean, 17, raped one of the youngsters and engaged in sexual activity with the other boy during two separate assaults.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that the first child was attacked last summer and the second boy was raped in April this year.

McLean was arrested after he was disturbed during the later attack and a police investigation was launched.

Robert Woodcock, prosecuting, told the court that McLean was 15 when he carried out the first attack and 16 when he raped the second boy.

McLean, of Stridingedge, Blackfell, Washington, Wearside, admitted rape and causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Roger Moore, mitigating, said McLean's family had been devastated by his actions and had been the target of vigilantes since his arrest.

Mr Moore said McLean has never been in trouble before and was making a determined effort to seek help. He added that McLean was aware of the hurt he had caused and has co-operated well with the authorities since his arrest.

Judge David Wood said the attacks were "likely to have caused some serious harm" to the boys and said he hoped he would co-operate with treatment offered to him.

McLean must register as a sex offender for five years.