James Watson, 38, of no fixed abode, has been charged with the murder of the six-year-old, whose body was found in Peterborough in November 1994.
Chief Crown Prosecutor Chris Long said: “Following the death of Rikki Neave in Peterborough in November 1994, the Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Cambridgeshire Constabulary to charge James Watson with murder. Rikki Neave's family have been informed.
“This decision was made following careful consideration of all the evidence presented to us by Cambridgeshire Constabulary as a result of their cold case review and subsequent lengthy and complex investigation.
“Criminal proceedings against Mr Watson are now active and he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Watson is expected to appear in Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (February 20).
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