In October 1992, seven-year-old Nikki Allan disappeared from her grandparents' flat in the Wear Garth area of Sunderland, prompting neighbours to form desperate search parties. Her body was later discovered in the derelict Old Exchange building, just a few hundred yards away, after her shoes were spotted outside. The young girl had been brutally stabbed 37 times, marking a tragic and gruesome end to her short life.
The investigation into Nikki's murder spanned over three decades, during which several suspects were pursued but ultimately cleared. In 1993, George Heron, then aged 24, stood trial at Leeds Crown Court for the murder but was acquitted by the jury. In 2014, Sunderland serial killer Steven Grieveson was arrested and questioned in connection with the case, though no further action was taken against him. Nikki's mother, Sharon Henderson, relentlessly campaigned for justice, refusing to give up hope for answers.
A breakthrough came in 2018 when a review of the cold case uncovered new DNA evidence that linked David Boyd, a paedophile from Stockton, to the crime. Boyd, who lived near the scene at the time, had evaded detection for years despite opportunities to identify him through DNA analysis earlier. During his trial at Newcastle Crown Court in 2023, the prosecution detailed how Boyd had lured Nikki away from the estate with the clear intention of sexually abusing her. When she screamed in resistance, he forced her into the dark, abandoned building, where he bludgeoned her skull with a brick and then stabbed her repeatedly.
The jury found Boyd guilty of murder following the presentation of compelling evidence, including the DNA match. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 29 years, bringing a measure of closure to Nikki's family after more than 30 years. As reported by Chronicle Live and Northumbria Police, the case highlighted significant flaws in the original investigation, including missed opportunities to identify Boyd sooner.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) later launched an investigation into complaints about Northumbria Police's handling of the case, focusing on the actions and decision-making during the original probe and subsequent reviews. A spokesman for the IOPC stated: 'Our investigation is focused on the actions and decision-making of police involved in the murder investigation and subsequent homicide review. This will include the identification and elimination of suspects during the original investigation, as well as whether there were missed opportunities to identify David Boyd using DNA analysis sooner.'
Nikki's family was kept informed throughout the IOPC probe, with the spokesperson adding: 'We remain in contact with Nikki's family and have provided them with regular updates throughout our investigation... Our thoughts remain with all those affected by Nikki's death.' Northumbria Police echoed this sentiment, stating: 'Our thoughts very much continue to be with Nikki Allan's loved ones.'