Dad of murdered schoolgirl Nikki Allan breaks 25-year silence as police announce DNA breakthrough in 'cold case'
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The father of murdered schoolgirl Nikki Allan has broken his 25-year silence as police announced a DNA breakthrough in the unsolved child killing.
The seven-year-old was found stabbed to death after vanishing near her Sunderland home on October 7, 1992.
No one has been brought to justice for the murder that shocked Britain 25 years ago.
Detectives have now announced that new male DNA has been found that could provide a breakthrough.
Northumbria Police is today urging all men who may have had contact with Nikki prior to her death to come forward and give a sample, reports the Newcastle Chronicle.
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And today Nikki’s father, who was the first to give a DNA swab, has spoken for the first time 25-year silence to beg others to do the same.
David Allan said: “I have remained quiet about Nikki’s death for 25 years but now is the time I need to speak out. I can’t begin to describe how difficult life has been without my beautiful little girl. I would never want anyone to suffer the heartache we have suffered as parents.”
Nikki vanished on a Wednesday evening 25 years ago, after leaving her grandparents’ flat in Wear Garth.
The Wear Garth flats, which have since been pulled down, were home to scores of families and Nikki’s mum Sharon Henderson and her family were well known residents.
Neighbours formed search parties in a desperate bid to find the little girl.
But her body was found in the derelict Exchange building a few hundred yards away, after her shoes were spotted outside.
Nikki had been left lying in a pool of blood after being stabbed 37 times in the chest.
In 1993, George Heron, 24 at the time, stood trial for Nikki’s murder, but was cleared by a jury at Leeds Crown Court.
Then in 2014 Sunderland serial killer Steven Grieveson was arrested and questioned on suspicion of Nikki’s murder. But he was later told he would face no action.
Northumbria Police officers say they have continually reviewed the evidence over the years since Nikki’s murder and advancements in forensic science have led to investigative leads not available at the time.
Det Insp Paul Waugh, who is looking into the unsolved murder, is urging male members of the family, friends or others who innocently may have come into contact with Nikki to come forward to have a DNA sample taken so they can be eliminated from inquiries.
He said: “In order to ensure we are able to fully consider any new scientific findings we have been obtaining DNA samples from people who may have been in the area at the time. This is perfectly normal within any forensic examination and we would urge anyone to come forward to ensure they can be ruled out of the investigation at an early stage.
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“The scientific work is ongoing and we will continue to do all we can to maximise the use of forensic science to progress this investigation.
“Although the murder happened 25 years ago it is still very much an active case for Northumbria Police and we will continue to investigate until Nikki’s killer is brought justice.
“We strongly urge any members of Nikki’s family, friends of the family, or anyone who had any contact with Nikki prior to her death to come forward to be tested for their DNA.”
“I must absolutely stress that this is a vital part of the investigation and the only way we are able to eliminate any innocent parties from our inquiries is through DNA sampling.
“Please think about how Nikki’s family are feeling and how tragic this is for them. Nikki would have been 32 years old this year and it is utterly heartbreaking to hear from her parents and close family talking about what could have been for Nikki - she may well have had children of her own by now.”
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David was the first to give a sample. And he is now urging others to do the same.
He added: “As Nikki’s father, I have provided a DNA sample myself and it is very quick, easy and completely painless,” he said. “I would beg anyone who knew Nikki or had any contact with her before she died to please come forward to have your DNA taken.
“This isn’t about accusing anyone of being a suspect - this is to eliminate you from police enquiries.”
Meanwhile, the charity Crimestoppers has also offered a reward of up to £10,000 for anyone who has information which leads to the conviction of Nikki’s Killer.
Det Insp Waugh added: “If anyone has any information at all please contact police. It may be something they believed at the time was not important but this could be the vital clue we are looking for. Or anyone who may have been in the area at the time of Nikki’s death and wish to provide a DNA sample then please come forward.
"If you know anything, no matter how insignificant you may think it is, then call us or contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously.”
Anyone with any information about Nikki’s death can speak to Northumbria Police’s major crime team on 101 ext 69191 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Only those passing information through Crimestoppers will be illegible for a reward, information passed to the police will not qualify.