Man accused of stabbing schoolgirl to death 30 years ago appears in court

A man accused of stabbing a schoolgirl to death 30 years ago has appeared in court charged with her murder.

Nikki Allan, seven, was found dead inside a derelict building near her home in Sunderland on 7 October 1992.

She had been visiting her grandparents at their flat, which was in the same block as hers, but failed to return home.

The schoolgirl's coat and shoes were spotted nearby, which led to the discovery of her body inside the dilapidated Exchange Building the next morning. She had been stabbed 37 times.

David Thomas Boyd, 54, of Norton, County Durham, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court charged with her murder on Tuesday.

He spoke only to confirm his name and was remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance on 20 June.

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Northumbria Police Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said in a statement: "This is an extremely tragic case and our thoughts very much continue to be with the family and friends of Nikki Allan.

"A significant investigation has been ongoing ever since Nikki's death 30 years ago.

"As with any unsolved cases of this nature, they are never closed. Our dedicated teams constantly review the evidence and follow any new investigative leads that may come to light."