New hope in murder enquiry

Sharon Henderson has been tortured by the thoughts of her daughter’s last moments for 25 years ... we can only hope the murderer’s life has been equally traumatic.

That the person responsible for this sickening crime has evaded justice is what drives Sharon on.

As she reveals today, the mistake she made that fateful night has haunted her for 25 years.

She has contemplated suicide, but her determination to see Nikki Allan’s killer brought to justice wins every time.

Sharon will not rest and neither, we are pleased to report, will the police.

The case has never been allowed to go cold ... and nor should it.

The death of the sevenyear-old in the heart of Sunderland rocked the community.

Failure to bring the killer to justice remains a source of bitterness, particularly for the youngster’s family who still live in the city.

Once again, on the eve of the 25th anniversary of her death, an appeal has gone out for people to come forward.

This time, however, there is DNA evidence that could open new lines of inquiry.

Sharon tell us: “They have got something back from DNA, and now they are asking for members of the public to come forward that may have had any contact with Nikki - family members, neighbours, teachers, shop staff, just to eliminate them from the enquiry.”

The news has reinvigorated the investigation and Nikki’s mum. It should also strike fear into the heart of the killer.

Sharon can look forward with hope: it would be satisfying to know the killer is today looking over their shoulder with fear.