Family pays tribute to 'beautiful and brave' girl, 9, who died while camping on industrial estate in Scotland - as man, 35, charged
Minnie had been camping in the area with her family and was found injured at the industrial estate on Monday
The family of a 9-year-old girl who died while camping on an industrial estate in Scotland have paid tribute to 'a beautiful and brave' child.
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The child has now been identified as Minnie Merriman as her family released a statement paying tribute to the youngster.
Minnie had been camping in the area with her family and was found injured at Elliot industrial estate in the Angus town of Arbroath at about 12.02am on Monday.
A man has since been charged in relation to her death, after she was found seriously injured on the Scottish industrial site.
Police Scotland said that the man and the girl are "known to each other" and appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court charged with murder on Wednesday.
In a statement following the tragic news, her family said on Wednesday: "We are devastated with the loss of our beloved, absolutely incredible, beautiful and brave Minnie Moo.”
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It continued: "Our family asks that our privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time."
Police say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.
Detective Inspector Mike Ness said: "Our thoughts remain with those affected by these events."
She was then taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she died.
Police said other members of the family, who are from West Yorkshire, had been camping in the area.
Lois Speed, who is a councillor for Arbroath East and Lunan, posted on social media, saying the news was “heartbreaking”.
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.”