Man Charged with Murder of Nine-Year-Old Girl in Arbroath
Christopher Rice, 35, faces charges following discovery of Minnie Merriman's body at industrial estate.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Carla Rooney
A nine-year-old girl was found injured at an industrial estate in Arbroath.
Police Scotland responded at approximately 12:02 am on Monday, August 3, less than ten minutes after the ambulance service; officers found Minnie Merriman, from West Yorkshire, at the Elliot industrial estate.
Police charged Christopher Rice, 35, also of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, with her murder; Merriman and Rice knew each other.
Rice is scheduled to appear at Forfar Sheriff Court on Wednesday in connection with Merriman's death. Police are not seeking any other individuals.
Minnie was camping in the area with her family when the incident occurred. A blue forensic tent was established on a grassy verge outside the Halliburton Arbroath manufacturing facility as Police Scotland's major investigation team continued inquiries.
Three other individuals sustained injuries and have since been released from hospital. Specialist officers support Minnie’s family, who express profound grief.
We are devastated with the loss of our beloved, absolutely incredible, beautiful and brave Minnie Moo.
The family released a statement through Police Scotland. Minnie’s family stated, "We are devastated with the loss of our beloved, absolutely incredible, beautiful and brave Minnie Moo."
They added, "Our family asks that our privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time." West Yorkshire Police provide support to Police Scotland's ongoing investigation.
A police presence remains in the area while inquiries continue; officers are available for public concerns. The local community, including Councillor Lois Speed, expressed shock and heartbreak.
Detective Inspector Mike Ness of the Major Investigation Team confirmed, "A police presence will remain in the area while our inquiries continue."
Ness further stated, "Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by these events. Anyone with any concerns, or information, should approach these officers or contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0008 of Monday August 3."