A man arrested in connection with the death of a nine-year-old girl in Arbroath was known to her, and officers are not looking for anyone else, Police Scotland has said.
The girl, who had been camping in the area with her family, was found injured at Elliot industrial estate in the Angus town at about 12.02am on Monday. She was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she died. Her death is being treated as suspicious.
Arrest and investigation
The 35-year-old man arrested in connection with her death is white and British, Police Scotland said. Other members of the family, who are from West Yorkshire, had been camping in the area.
Detective Inspector Mike Ness, of the major investigation team, said: “Our thoughts remain with those affected by these events. Members of the public will see an increased police presence and activity in the area as inquiries continue. This is intended to reassure the public and anyone who may have information should approach these officers or contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0008 of Monday August 3.”
Scene and community reaction
At the industrial estate on Monday, a blue forensic tent was set up on a grassy verge outside Halliburton Arbroath manufacturing facility. The area was taped off, with two police vehicles still at the scene and officers guarding the area. A woman came and laid flowers on the grass.
Lois Speed, a councillor for Arbroath East and Lunan, posted on social media, saying the news was “heartbreaking”. She later told Press Association she wished to “express the shock within the community this morning”. Ms Speed said: “Really just my thoughts are with the little girl and her family, and those closely affected. I don’t have much more that I can add or say, other just than express the shock and sympathies with everyone.”
