Ex-cops facing criminal probe over Nikki Allan investigation

FORMER police officers have been told they could face criminal charges over the investigation into schoolgirl Nikki Allan’s murder.

- SOPHIE DOUGHTY

The seven-year-old was killed near her home in Sunderland in 1992, but it took more than 30 years for paedophile David Boyd to be brought to justice for her murder.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced last year that it had launched an investigation into complaints about Northumbria Police's handling of the case.

And today The Journal can reveal that the watchdog has begun interviewing a number of former officers under caution.

They have been told that they are being criminally investigated for perverting the course of justice, the IOPC said.

A spokesman explained: “The Independent Office for Police Conduct (OPC) investigation into two complaints about Northumbria Police's investigation into the murder of Nikki Allan in 1992 is progressing.

“The complaints, which were referred to us by the force, were submitted after David Boyd was convicted of Nikki's murder.

“Our investigation is focused on the actions and decision-making of police involved in the murder investigation and subsequent homicide review.