DNA sample is focus of inquiries as force hands out leaflets in East End

A DNA sample of a man who came into contact with Nikki Allan before her death has become the focus of renewed inquiries into her horrific killing. Now, as the 25th anniversary of the schoolgirl’s shocking death is marked this weekend, those who came in contact with Nikki before she went missing have been asked to step forward and give a sample so they can be ruled out of the inquiry. A specialist team from Northumbria Police has already begun to collect mouth swabs from men and is now reaching out to others who may have come into contact with the youngster in the hope it can narrow down its inquiry and find the killer, who continues to walk the streets all these years on. About 400 witnesses are associated with the inquiry and Northumbria Police has said it has already had

a positive reaction from those it has spoken to as it gathers DNA tests. This weekend, officers will be out in the East End and Hendon as they begin to hand out thousands of leaflets as they appeal for information. Detectives say they are keeping an open mind as they review evidence and look to gather more information. Detective Inspector Paul Waugh, who is helping to head up the inquiry, said: “My team have recovered further forensic results which contain some male DNA. “I’m keen to trace who had any form of contact with Nikki prior to her death. “I am appealing for members of her family, friends or others who innocently may have come into contact with Nikki to come forward to have a DNA sample taken. “This includes people who may think they have already provided DNA in the past to the police.”