First image of Minnie Merriman, 9, who died in Arbroath as man seems in court docket
Minnie Merriman, 9, died after she was found seriously injured at Arbroath’s Elliot Industrial Estate in the early hours of Monday, August 3. A man has been arrested and charged in connection with her death
Minnie Merriman tragically died
A schoolgirl who tragically died after being found seriously injured in Arbroath has been identified as Minnie Merriman.
The nine-year-old girl passed away after she was discovered on the grounds of Elliot Industrial Estate at 12.02am on Monday, August 3. She was rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she sadly died a short while later.
Three others were also taken to hospital and subsequently released. A 35-year-old man has appeared in court charged with murder following the death of nine-year-old Minnie Merriman who was found injured in Arbroath. Christopher Rice, 35, was charged with murder when he appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court on Wednesday.
He did not enter a plea and was committed for further examination and remanded in custody. In a statement, issued through Police Scotland, Minnie’s family said: “We are devastated with the loss of our beloved, absolutely incredible, beautiful and brave Minnie Moo.
A blue forensics tent was erected at the scene(Image: Daily Record)
“Our family asks that our privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.”, reports the Daily Record.
Police say investigations into the girl’s death are ongoing. One businessman claimed he had driven past the family in the hours preceding the girl’s death.
He reported seeing them cooking on an outdoor camping stove. Another woman witnessed a tent set up by a car, describing it as a “weird set up”.
Floral tributes have been left at the scene(Image: Daily Record)
The industrial estate is a bustling area with workers coming in and out for different shifts. It’s located near Hospitalfield housing estate, a retail park and Arbroath seafront is also close by. Two caravan sites are also in the vicinity.
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 substantial police cordon encircling a grassy patch, footpath and adjacent carriageway was established at the location earlier this week. Officers sealed off a vehicle while a blue forensic shelter was erected.
The blue electric Peugeot featured a sunshade covering the interior of the front window, plus a purple throw draped from the rear passenger window to block visibility. Scattered debris and carrier bags were also strewn across the grass near the forensic shelter.
Reports suggest the vehicle was taken away from the location on Tuesday. Locals described the incident as “tragic”, with many stating the tight-knit neighbourhood had been left stunned.
Area 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.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
