The nine-year-old girl who died after being found seriously injured in Arbroath has been named as Minnie Merriman.
She was discovered on the grounds of Elliot Industrial Estate at 12.02am on Monday, August 3, and was rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she tragically died a short while later.
Three others were also taken to hospital and later released. A 35-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with her death, and he is due to appear at Forfar Sheriff Court today.
Family Tribute
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. Our family asks that our privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time."
Police say inquiries into the girl's death are ongoing.
Scene Details
One businessman said he had drove past the family in the hours before the girl's death, reporting 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. Two caravan sites are also in the area. The Red Lion Holiday Park and Elliot Caravan Park both confirmed to the Record that the family had not been staying on their sites.
Floral tributes have since been left at the estate. A large cordon surrounding a grassy area, pavement and nearby road was erected at the scene earlier this week. A car was taped off by officers while a blue forensic tent was put in place. The blue electric Peugeot had a sunscreen covering the inside of the windscreen, and also a purple blanket hanging from the back passenger window blocking out light. There was also discarded rubbish and plastic bags left all over the grass by the forensic tent. It's been reported the car was removed from the scene on Tuesday.
Community Reaction
Residents described the incident as "tragic", with many saying the close-knit community had been left in shock.
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."
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."
