A 'PREDATORY paedophile' lured four children under the age of 10 into his home so he could carry out 'sickening and horrific' abuse.

Peter Kennedy, of Dunoon Street, Burnley was jailed for eight years after admitting targeting two boys and two girls in October.

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Police said the 60-year-old prolonged the ordeal of his victims and their distraught families by refusing to co-operate with the police in the face of overwhelming evidence against him.

The NSPCC said the 'horrific abuse' was likely to have long term damaging effects on the young victims.

Kennedy admitted two counts of sexual assault on a child and two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

As well as jailing Kennedy for eight years, a judge at Burnley Crown Court handed him an eight year extended licence and a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and told him he will remain on the Sex Offender’s Register for life.

Det Sgt Steve Munro said: “Peter Kennedy is a particularly dangerous and predatory paedophile who committed several offences against two young boys and two young girls.

“Kennedy demonstrated his deceitful and conniving nature by enticing the victims into his home before carrying out the crimes.

“Despite the overwhelming evidence put to him by officers, Kennedy refused to comment on the allegations but following a prolonged investigation has now been brought to justice.

“I must thank the parents of the victims involved for the dignified way they have behaved throughout proceedings, which at times have been difficult to listen to.

“We welcome the sentence and hope it serves as a reminder to others wanting to commit such heinous crimes.”

An NSPCC spokesman said urged parents to be vigilant for the signs of abuse and grooming.

He said: "Kennedy’s sickening actions will have had a damaging effect on his young victims and it is right that he is now behind bars.

“Kennedy’s conniving efforts to lure these young children to his home where he subjected them to horrific abuse is a timely reminder to us all to be vigilant for the signs of abuse and grooming."

The charity also said it was making efforts to educate children about dangers.

The spokesman added: “Child sexual abuse can have life-long effects on victims.

"That’s why the NSPCC is visiting primary schools across the country with its ‘Speak Out Stay Safe’ service, empowering children to protect themselves from abuse and to speak out if they ever experience it.

"We want anyone who has suffered abuse to know they will be listened to."

Anyone who has been impacted by sexual abuse can contact the NSPCC helpline in confidence, 24 hours a day seven days a week, on 0800 808 5000 or via.

Children can also contact Childline on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk.