A man has appeared in court charged with murder after the death of a nine-year-old girl in Arbroath. Christopher Ryan Rice, 35, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court on Wednesday, August 5.
Rice, of Wakefield in West Yorkshire, made no plea and was remanded in custody while the case was committed for further examination. He is expected to reappear in court within the next eight days.
Incident details
Minnie Merriman died after she was found seriously injured at the Angus town's Elliot Industrial Estate at 12.02am on Monday, August 3. The nine-year-old was rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, but tragically died a while later.
Three others were also taken to hospital and later released. Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with Minnie's death. Rice and Minnie were known to each other.
Family statement
The family, from West Yorkshire, were camping in the area at the time of the incident. They are currently being supported by specialist officers.
In a statement, released through Police Scotland, her family said: "We are devastated with the loss of our beloved, absolutely incredible, beautiful and brave Minnie Moo. Our family asks that our privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time."
Community reaction
Speaking to the Record earlier this week, a businessman said he had drove past the family hours before the tragedy took place. He reported seeing them cooking on an outdoor camping stove.
Another woman witnessed seeing a tent set up by a car, stating it was a "weird set up". The industrial estate is a busy area with workers coming in and out for different shifts.
It sits near Hospitalfield housing estate, a retail park and Arbroath seafront is also nearby. Images taken from the scene on Monday showed a large police cordon in place.
A blue forensics tent was erected on top of a patch of grass while the pavement, road, and a stationary taped off. Floral tributes have since been laid beside the crime scene.
Local resident Bill Smith told the Record: "It's unbelievable. It's all everyone is talking about today as it's incredibly sad. Nobody seems to know what has happened. But it's tragic that a girl so young has lost her life here."
"There's a path from the houses that goes through the industrial estate down to the shop. It's a busy area through the day."
Councillor Lois Speed, who represents the Arbroath East and Lunan ward, said: "The community is in shock at what has happened. My thoughts are with everyone that has been impacted."
Police statement
Detective Inspector Mike Ness of the Major Investigation Team said: "Our thoughts remain with those affected by these events. A police presence will remain in the area while our inquiries continue."
"Anyone with any concerns, or information, should approach these officers or contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0008 of Monday, 3 August 2026."
