Nikki Allan's dad urges men to join him in DNA campaign to find her killer

The seven-year-old went missing on October 7, 1992, in the East End, sparking a huge search by police, friends and family.

Her brutally murdered body was found the next day.

Now as the milestone of her death approaches, police have renewed their appeal in the hope people will come forward with information - and samples - which could help finally catch her killer.

David Allan was the first man to step forward and offer Northumbria Police a swab so his details could be checked against fresh male DNA they have recovered from evidence.

In addition to tracing the seven-year-old’s killer, officers also want to rule out any men who came into contact with Nikki innocently, as they also narrow the field of who could be responsible for the brutal murder.

David has urged any other men who came into contact with Nikki to come forward for DNA testing.

He 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.

“As Nikki’s father, I have provided a DNA sample myself and it is very quick, easy and completely painless.

“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.”

Northumbria Police say it has 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.

They have said they are keeping an open mind as part of their inquiries.

Detective Inspector Paul Waugh, who is helping to head up the unsolved murder probe, and hopes that the new forensic evidence, together with the anniversary and a £10,000 Crimestoppers reward, may bring to light the crucial piece of the jigsaw that they are looking for.

Det Insp Waugh said: “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 and this is something that haunts both David and Sharon greatly.

“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 who wishes to speak to police or pass any information on is asked to contact the 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.