A man arrested in connection with the death of a nine-year-old girl in Arbroath was known to the victim, with officers confirming they are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.
Incident details
Police Scotland revealed the young girl, who had been camping in the area with her family, was discovered injured at Elliot industrial estate in the Angus town at approximately 12.02am on Monday. She was subsequently taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she sadly passed away. Her death is being treated as suspicious.
The arrested man, aged 35, is white and British, Police Scotland confirmed. The force added that other members of the girl's family, who are from West Yorkshire, had also been camping in the area at the time.
Police statement
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 had been erected on a grassy verge outside the Halliburton Arbroath manufacturing facility. The surrounding area was cordoned off, with two police vehicles remaining at the scene and officers standing guard.
A woman arrived to lay flowers on the grass nearby. Lois Speed, councillor for Arbroath East and Lunan, took to social media to describe the news as "heartbreaking". Speaking to the Press Association shortly afterwards, she said she wanted to "express the shock within the community this morning".
Ms Speed added: "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."
