Hundreds of mourners lined the streets as the mother of a nine-year-old girl, allegedly murdered by her father, cried during a farewell procession for the child. Minnie Merriman, from West Yorkshire, was found seriously injured at the Elliot industrial estate on August 3 in Arbroath, Scotland, while her family were camping in the area. The girl later died at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
Final journey through Scotland
Community members in the Scottish town lined the streets as a private ambulance carrying the schoolgirl travelled from Dundee to Arbroath in her "final journey" through Scotland. Devastated mum Laurie Merriman was surrounded by her family as she held onto a bunny with Minnie's name on it.
Laurie placed her head against the vehicle as she and her family sobbed. The mum said: "Love you forever Minnie." The family then walked in front of the ambulance with a piper as the vehicle slowly drove past mourners. A group of bikers also tailed the ambulance during the procession.
Tributes and support
Hundreds of people gathered to remember Minnie as flowers, balloons and teddy bears were all left by the ambulance as tributes to the nine-year-old. Others let off white flares at the seafront in memory of the girl.
Minnie's family will then make the 280-mile journey from Arbroath to their home in Yorkshire to hold a private funeral. A family friend, according to the Daily Record, said: "Minnie will be leaving Scotland and beginning her journey home to Yorkshire. Bringing her home is an important step as Laurie and the family prepare to give Minnie the send off she truly deserves."
Funeral plans and fundraising
"Minnie's funeral will be a celebration of her life, honouring her personality, her joy, and the special moments that made her so unforgettable. We are so deeply grateful for the kindness shown so far."
Since Minnie's death three weeks ago, toys and flowers have been laid by locals at the spot where the girl was found. The Scottish town also paid tribute to Minnie through a minute's silence on August 8 ahead of Arbroath's match against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family and has raised more than £8,000. In an update on August 20, the organiser wrote: "We finally have the news we’ve been waiting for. This coming week, Minnie will be leaving Scotland and beginning her journey home to Yorkshire.
"Bringing her home is an important step as Laurie and the family prepare to give Minnie the send off she truly deserves. All donations will first go towards giving Minnie the very best possible funeral and farewell. A dignified goodbye that reflects just how deeply she was loved, without adding financial pressure to the family.
"Minnie's funeral will be a celebration of her life, honouring her personality, her joy, and the special moments that made her so unforgettable."
Minnie's father was charged with murder following her death. Christopher Rice, 35, of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court on August 5. The dad made a further appearance in private at the same court on August 13. He did not enter a plea and was fully committed and remanded in custody.
