The parents of a seven-year-old girl who was brutally stabbed 37 times and dumped in a derelict building has broken his 25-year silence to beg for information.
Nikki Allan had been at her grandparents’ flat, in the same block where her parents lived, in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear.
But, while making the short journey home on October 8 1992, she went missing and a desperate search was launched.
Seven-year-old Nikki Allan was brutally stabbed 37 times and dumped in a derelict building
Her mother, Sharon Henderson, who has joined forces with Northumbria Police this afternoon on the 25th anniversary of the murder of her seven-year-old daughter
The following morning she was found inside the Old Exchange Building after her coat and shoes were spotted.
Speaking for the first time since her murder, father David begged anyone who had contact with his daughter before her death to come forward.
‘I have remained quiet about Nikki’s death for 25 years but now is the time I need to speak out,’ he said.
‘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.’
Northumbria Police said they had recovered further forensic results, including some DNA from a male.
Floral tributes left at the murder scene after her body was found in the then-derelict Old Exchange Building, near to her family home
Heartbroken parents Sharon Henderson and David Allan attend the funeral of their seven-year-old daughter Nikki Allan
They are appealing for male family members, friends or anyone who came into contact with her to come forward to have a DNA sample taken so they can be eliminated from inquiries.
Mr Allan said: ‘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 inquiries.’
Northumbria Police have today launched a new appeal (left) to help track down her killer of seven-year-old Nikki (right)
Detective Inspector Paul Waugh (pictured) said the force is still regarding the case as active after a quarter of a century
Detective Inspector Paul Waugh said they still regarded the case as active and the DNA evidence was a vital part of the investigation.
‘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.
‘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.’