Mum of murdered Sunderland schoolgirl Nikki Allan speaks on anniversary of her death

The seven-year-old vanished while walking the short distance home from her grandparents’ to her own flat in West Garth shortly before 10pm on Wednesday, October 7, 1992.

Speaking today, Nikki’s mum Sharon Henderson said she wanted to pay tribute to the many people who had supported her and Nikki’s relations for the best part of three decades.

"I just want to say ‘Thank you’ to all the people who have supported Nikiki’s memory and who have supported my family,” she said.

Nikki’s body was found in the basement of the then-derelict Quayside Exchange in High Street East, close to West Garth, after a large scale search. She had been stabbed 37 times.

Twenty-eight year later, her killing remains unsolved. A murder case against George Heron fell apart in court, while serial killer Steven Grieveson was quizzed over Nikki’s murder in 2014 but no further action was taken.READ MORE: Four Sunderland murder victims whose killers have still to be caught

A new team was set up in April 2017, and on the 25th anniversary of the tragedy, announced they had been successful in recovering new DNA from an unknown male.

Northumbria Police arrested a man in connection with the inquiry into Nikki’s death in April 2018 in the Teesside area.

The man – whose details have not been made public – was questioned on suspicion of murdering the youngster

He was released but police confirmed earlier this year that he remains under investigation.

Sharon has been critical of police handling of the case in the past but said today she remains in close contact with detectives and is hopeful an end is in sight to the investigation: ”I am doing it the right way, I am working with CID, but it is not my job, at the end of the day,” she said.

"It has been going on for too long without any answers, but I just have to let them get on with their work.

"Hopefully they will be coming back to say someone has been charged.

"That is all I am waiting for.”

Anyone with any information about Nikki Allan’s murder is asked to contact Northumbria Police.

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