Police start to hand out thousands of leaflets across Sunderland in hunt for Nikki Allan's killer

Police volunteer cadets Katie Blyth and Joshua Nesbitt put copies of the leaflet through letter boxes in the East End.

Northumbria Police has printed up the appeal as it puts a fresh focus on inquiries in the hope of finally snaring the murderer who took the life of the seven-year-old East End girl.

Nikki was last seen shortly before 10pm on Wednesday, October 7, 1992, when she left her grandparents’ flat in Wear Garth alone to head back to her own home in the same block.

Her body was found in the basement of the Old Exchange Building in High Street East the next day.

The St John and St Patrick’s pupil had been beaten and stabbed.

Arrests have been made, but no one has been held to account for her murder.

Her mother Sharon Henderson has tirelessly campaigned for justice, while her father David Allan broke his silence to mark the anniversary as he backed police efforts to collect DNA to help eliminate men from their inquiries.

Nikki Allan, who was found dead on October 8, 1992.

The move comes after officers confirmed they have found a man’s DNA as part of ongoing inquiries and areview of evidence.

The samples are being taken from friends, family and anyone else who comes forward to say they were in contact with Nikki prior to her disappearance.

Detectives have urged anyone who has previously provided a test to get in touch, with the leaflet drop also asking those with information to make contact.

Officers, supported by members of the force’s cadet team, have started to hand out and post the notes to residents and businesses in the East End and Hendon before they go out elsewhere in the city.

The leaflet issued on the 25th anniversary of Nikki Allan's death.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “We understand the impact of the investigation into Nikki Allan’s death still has on the community and it is important that we help reassure residents as we work to support the inquiry.

“Our officers and cadets will be out in the area handing out leaflets and we ask that anyone with information comes forward.”

Crimestoppers is offering a £10,000 reward in support of the inquiry.

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.