The family of nine-year-old Minnie Merriman have been "left with nothing" following her death, a close friend has said. A fundraiser has been launched to help them "rebuild" after their "unimaginable heartbreak."
Fundraiser launched to support family
Organiser Stevie Walker, a close friend of Minnie's mother Laurie, set up the crowdfunding page on behalf of the family. Writing on the page, she said: "Laurie has lost her precious girl, and her boys have lost their beautiful sister. Their whole world has been turned upside down overnight."
Walker added: "Alongside the unimaginable heartbreak of losing Minnie, Laurie and the boys have also lost their home and everything they had. They have been left with nothing and are having to somehow find a way through each day while trying to rebuild some sort of stability for the boys."
The fundraiser, which has raised more than £1,000 in a matter of hours, will also help with travel costs between Yorkshire and Scotland, as well as accommodation and everyday living expenses until Minnie can come home.
Tributes and investigation
Minnie died at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee after being found seriously injured at Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath in the early hours of Monday, August 3. Her father, Christopher Rice, 35, has been charged with murder and remanded in custody.
Arbroath FC held a minute's silence for Minnie before their Scottish Championship fixture against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday. Over 1,300 fans at Gayfield Park, one mile from where Minnie was discovered, paid their respects.
Minnie's aunt, Chloe Merriman, said the family was "overwhelmed" by the gesture. NHS Tayside has launched an investigation after Minnie's health records were allegedly accessed without permission.
In a tribute, Minnie's mother Laurie wrote: "My first true love, my twin, I am connected to you in life and in death." Her headteacher described her as a "kind and thoughtful girl." Police Scotland confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.
