Ex-officers could face charges over Nikki murder investigation

CONDUCT OFFICE INTERVIEWING FORMER COPS ON CASE

- By SOPHIE DOUGHTY & JADE MCELWEE

Sharon Henderson, mother of Nikki Allan, speaks to the press after the sentencing

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

The seven-year-old was killed near her home in Sunderland in 1992, but it took more than 30 years for Stockton 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.

The watchdog has begun interviewing a number of former officers under caution, it has been revealed on Tuesday.

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

A spokesman explained: “The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) 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.