Police said yesterday they have arrested a 21-year-old man in Nikaia, southwest Athens, for the alleged sexual abuse of more than 20 boys.

The suspect confessed to assaulting the children, who were between the ages of 8 and 15, after stalking playgrounds in the southern Athens region.

“I have abused around 20 children... and have attempted to abuse another 20,” the man told authorities, according to police sources.

The suspect, who was not identified, also said that he started to prey on boys after his military service.

Police launched an investigation into the alleged crimes about a month ago, when a man saved his nephew as the suspect was trying to lead the boy away from a playground.

The child’s uncle then gave police a detailed description of the suspect – information which helped authorities to find him.

An Athens prosecutor filed criminal charges against the suspect, including sexual assault, kidnapping and illegal use and possession of a weapon.