It’s been three months since police arrested a suspect in connection with the unsolved murder of schoolgirl Nikki Allan 25 years ago.
Now, Nikki’s heartbroken mum Sharon Henderson says the results are imminent and hopes this could be the key to unlock the mystery surrounding one of Britain’s longest unsolved child killings.
And Sharon is waiting on tenterhooks as she claims detectives are visiting her soon to reveal the outcome.
On April 17 this year, Northumbria Police raided a house in Stockton, Teesside, and detained the suspect following a DNA breakthrough.
That person was then released under investigation but ChronicleLive understands detectives hope to have the results of their findings within “a few weeks”.
Seven-year-old Nikki was found stabbed to death in a derelict building in Sunderland after vanishing from her nearby home in 1992.
Her body was found lying in a pool of blood. She had been stabbed 37 times.
Sharon, 51, of Ryhope, Sunderland, said: “I have just got the phone call from the police to say they want to make an appointment with me for them to come around so they can tell me the outcome of their investigation and if they are going to charge him or not.
“I’m really hoping that this is going to be the outcome I want and have fought for so long.
“However, I don’t want to get my hopes up too high as I have been let down so many times before.
“All I want is justice for Nikki. I have fought for 25 years for her.”
Wiping away her tears Sharon, who also has daughters Stacey, 33, Zara, 28, and Niomi, 26, added: “If this person is charged then I don’t think it would make a great deal of difference to my life as I have been fighting for so long but it would bring closure for my other three daughters.
“I’m just so worn out now.”
At the time of the arrest, Northumbria Police said: “A man was arrested on suspicion of murdering schoolgirl Nikki Allan. He has been released under investigation. Enquiries are ongoing.”
Witnesses on Middleton Walk, near Stockton town centre, said forensic officers in white suits spent around eight hours going in and out of a house on the street.
Neighbours saw officers turn up around 8am that day.
A man was led away and the house was searched for a number of hours.
Officers were said to have brought out numerous clear plastic bags, filled with items.
At around 3pm, forensic officers left the scene and more police turned up.
Nikki vanished on a Wednesday evening more than 25 years ago, after leaving her grandparents’ flat in Sunderland’s Wear Garth.
Nikki, her mum Sharon, and their family were well known at the Wear Garth flats, which have since been pulled down.
Neighbours formed search parties in a desperate bid to find the little girl.
But her body was found in the derelict Exchange building a few hundred yards away, after her shoes were spotted outside.
Breaking his silence about his daughter’s death last year, Nikki’s dad, David Allan, 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.”
In 1993, George Heron, 24 at the time, stood trial for Nikki’s murder, but was cleared by a jury at Leeds Crown Court.
Then in 2014, Sunderland serial killer Steven Grieveson was arrested and questioned on suspicion of Nikki’s murder. But he was later told he would face no action.
The charity Crimestoppers had offered a reward of up to £10,000 for anyone who has information which leads to the conviction of Nikki’s Killer.
Anyone with any information about Nikki’s death can speak to Northumbria Police’s major crime team on 101 ext 69191 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
