Father in plea over Nikki’s brutal murder
25 YEARS AFTER KILLING, DNA MAY
Above, the Wear Garth flats which have since been pulled down, and below, the cortege for the funeral of Nikki Allan, outside the flats, October 30, 1992 was found in the derelict Exchange ly, or anyone who had any contact building a few hundred yards with Nikki prior to her death to away, after her shoes were spotted come forward to be tested for their outside. DNA.” THE dad of murdered schoolgirl Nikki had been left lying in a “I must absolutely stress that this Nikki Allan has broken his 25 year pool of blood after being stabbed is a vital part of the investigation silence as police make a DNA 37 times in the chest. and the only way we are able to breakthrough in the unsolved child In 1993, George Heron, 24 at the eliminate any innocent parties killing case. time, stood trial for Nikki’s murder, from our inquiries is through DNA
It has now been quarter of a cenbut was cleared by a jury at Leeds sampling. tury since the seven-year-old was Crown Court. “Please think about how Nikki’s found stabbed to death after vanThen in 2014 Sunderland serial family are feeling and how tragic ishing from near her Sunderland killer Steven Grieveson was arrestthis is for them. Nikki would have home. ed and questioned on suspicion of been 32 years old this year and it is
But, to this day, no one has been Nikki’s murder. But he was later utterly heartbreaking to hear from brought to justice for the shocking told he would face no action. her parents and close family talkdeath. Northumbria Police officers say ing about what could have been for
Detectives have now announced they have continually reviewed the Nikki - she may well have had chilthat new male DNA has been found evidence over the years since Nikdren of her own by now.” that could provide a breakthrough ki’s murder and advancements in David was the first to give a samin the unsolved murder probe. forensic science have led to invesple. And he is now urging others to
Northumbria Police is urging all tigative leads not available at the do the same. men who may have had contact time. He added: “As Nikki’s father, I with Nikki prior to her death to Det Insp Paul Waugh, who is have provided a DNA sample come forward and give a sample. looking into the unsolved murder, myself and it is very quick, easy and
And Nikki’s father, who was the is urging male members of the completely painless,” he said. “I first to give a DNA swab, has spofamily, friends or others who innowould beg anyone who knew Nikki ken for the first time to beg others cently may have come into contact or had any contact with her before to do the same. with Nikki to come forward to have she died to please come forward to
David Allan said: “I have a DNA sample taken so they can be have your DNA taken. remained quiet about Nikki’s death eliminated from inquiries. “This isn’t about accusing anyfor 25 years but now is the time I He said: “In order to ensure we one of being a suspect - this is to need to speak out. I can’t begin to are able to fully consider any new eliminate you from police enquirdescribe how difficulties.”lifehasbeenscientificfindingswehavebeen without my beautiful little girl. I obtaining DNA samples from peoMeanwhile, the charity would never want anyone to suffer ple who may have been in the area Crimestoppers has also offered a the heartache we have suffered as at the time. This is perfectly normal reward of up to £10,000 for anyone parents.” within any forensic examination who has information which leads
Nikki vanished on a Wednesday and we would urge anyone to to the conviction of Nikki’s Killer. evening 25 years ago, after leaving come forward to ensure they can Det Insp Waugh added: “If anyher grandparents’ flat in Wear be ruled out of the investigation at one has any information at all Garth. an early stage. please contact police. It may be
The Wear Garth flats, which have “The scientific work is ongoing something they believed at the since been pulled down, were and we will continue to do all we time was not important but this home to scores of families and Nikcan to maximise the use of forensic could be the vital clue we are lookki’s mum Sharon Henderson and science to progress this investigaing for. Or anyone who may have her family were well known resition. been in the area at the time of Nikdents. ki’s death and wish to provide a
Neighbours formed search DNA sample then please come forparties in a desperate bid to find ward. If you know anything, no the little girl. matter how insignificant you may But her body 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.
Nikki Allan’s mother Sharon in 1995 “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 f a m i l y , friends of the fami-