A judge has ordered a teenage sex offender to steer clear of young girls, saying they should be protected from "serious harm".

Police today welcomed the Court ruling which means that Alan Range, 18, must not follow, attempt to contact or invite girls under 18 into his Bradford home.

Deputy District Judge Michael Hopkinson made the order at Bradford Magistrates' Court yesterday after officers raised concerns that Range, who has been convicted of a number of sex assaults on girls, might strike again.

Range, whose address cannot be revealed for legal reasons, must abide by the order for at least five years, after which it may be changed or revoked. And during this time, he must also register himself as a sex offender with the police, who will continue to monitor him.

Police today welcomed the judgement, saying it would help prevent him re-offending and protect the public.

Deputy District Judge Hopkinson told Range there was "reasonable cause to believe'' that the public should be protected from "serious harm.''

Under the terms of the order - which were not opposed by Range - he cannot approach girls under 18, go into any female changing room or toilet in public buildings, or carry out any work which is likely to bring him into contact with them.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Police, probation, health and housing authorities work closely together to manage sex offenders in the community safely.

"We share information relating to individuals assessed to prevent a risk by holding regular public protection meetings and taking agreed action. We are pleased with the judgement because people who are the subject of Sex Offender Orders are regularly monitored by police and other agencies to prevent re-offending."

The spokesman said Range was considered to be at risk of re-offending and that by applying for the order, the police could "better protect the public, especially young children".