The family of a nine-year-old girl who died after being found seriously injured at an industrial estate in Arbroath have paid tribute to their 'Minnie Moo'.
Minnie Merriman was discovered on the grounds of Elliot Industrial Estate at around 12.02am on Monday, August 3. The schoolgirl, who is understood to have been camping with her family from Yorkshire, was rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she tragically died a short time later.
Arrest and charge
A 35-year-old man, who is known to Minnie, has been arrested and charged in connection with her death. He is due to appear at Forfar Sheriff Court on today, August 5. Police Scotland are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.
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."
Incident details
The Record reported yesterday that four other people were taken to hospital alongside Minnie on Monday morning, including the suspect. The others have since been released.
Forensic officers at Elliot Industrial Estate Arbroath (Image: Daily Record). The family had been seen by locals camping on the roadside by Halliburton's manufacturing facility in the hours before the girl was seriously injured. One businessman said he had drove past the family as early as 6pm and they were cooking food on a outdoor camping stove. While another woman witnessed seeing a tent set up by a car, stating it was a "weird set up".
Scene and community reaction
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 caravans 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 been left at the industrial estate, where police continue to carry out enquiries. A police cordon has been on place at the scene where a blue forensic tent was erected. A blue electric Peugeot which was also cordoned off had a sunscreen covering the inside of the windscreen, and also a purple blanket hanging from the back passenger window blocking out light on Monday. There was also discarded rubbish and plastic bags left all over the grass by the forensic tent. It's been reported that the car was removed from the scene on Tuesday.
Residents described the incident as "tragic", with many saying the close-knit community had been left in shock. 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 everyone affected by these events, especially Minnie's family. A police presence will remain in the area while our enquiries 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."
