The mother of nine-year-old Minnie Merriman has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her “first true love” after her daughter was found injured at Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath and later died in hospital.
Mum's Emotional Words
Laurie Merriman placed a Hello Kitty soft toy and a strawberry cushion at the scene, along with a handwritten note reading: “To my Darling Minnie Moo. Where you are, we’re still connected eternally. I love you, my girl. Mummy will carry your strength always.”
In an online tribute, she described her daughter as her “twin” and wrote: “You have always and will continue being my strength, we are connected eternally, I have never felt a love so deep and a connection so strong. My first true love, my twin, I am connected to you in life and in death, and my girl that cannot be broken, I will fight to stay strong for your little brothers. I will hold my head high, knowing you will always be holding my hand for the rest of my life. I will see you again, that I know for sure. I love you eternally.”
Court Appearance
Christopher Rice, Minnie’s father, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court on Wednesday facing a single charge of murder. The 35-year-old from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, made no plea and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear in court again within eight days.
Incident Details
Minnie, from West Yorkshire, was found with serious injuries at around midnight on Monday. She was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, along with three members of her family, where she was pronounced dead. The family had been camping on a grassy area at Elliot Industrial Estate, about 10 minutes’ walk from the beach. The site is in front of the Halliburton manufacturing facility.
The Scottish Ambulance Service was called at 11.53pm on Sunday, and four ambulances were dispatched. Police were called at around 12.02am on Monday, less than 10 minutes later. Police took Rice to hospital, where he was arrested and held in custody after being discharged. Police have said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with Minnie’s death.
Family and Community Response
In a statement released through Police Scotland, Minnie’s family said: “We are devastated with the loss of our beloved, absolutely incredible, beautiful and brave Minnie Moo.” Local residents have been visiting the site to lay floral tributes.
