The family of a nine-year-old girl who died while they were camping in Scotland have described her as ‘absolutely incredible and beautiful’ as she was named for the first time.
Minnie Merriman, from West Yorkshire, was found ‘seriously injured’ at Elliot industrial estate in Arbroath just after midnight on Monday.
She was then taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she died.
Christopher Rice, 35, of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, and known to Minnie, has appeared in court charged with her murder.
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He did not enter a plea and was committed for further examination and remanded in custody.
Police released a statement from Minnie’s family, which 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.’
Detective Inspector Mike Ness said: ‘Our thoughts remain with those affected by these events.
‘A police presence will remain in the area while our enquiries continue.’
He added that anyone with concerns or information should contact police.
At the industrial estate on Monday, a blue forensic tent was set up on a grassy verge outside Halliburton Arbroath manufacturing facility.
The area was taped off, with two police vehicles still at the scene and officers guarding the area.
Flowers were placed on the grass near the police cordon.
Lois Speed, who is a councillor for Arbroath East and Lunan, posted on social media, saying the news was ‘heartbreaking’.
She later said she wished to ‘express the shock within the community this morning’.
Ms Speed said: ‘Really just my thoughts are with the little girl and her family, and those closely affected.
‘I don’t have much more that I can add or say, other just than express the shock and sympathies with everyone.’
Dawn Reid, who is from Arbroath, went to the industrial estate on Monday to lay flowers.
She said: ‘We’re quite devastated by the news. Our kids are just not safe anywhere, it’s just heartbreaking.’
She continued: ‘I just wish them all the best. She’s got a long road ahead of her that poor mum.
‘Devastated for her, there’s no need for it.’
