Dad charged with murdering nine-year-old daughter found injured at Arbroath industrial site

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The father of a nine-year-old girl who died in Arbroath has appeared in court charged with her murder
Minnie Merriman, from West Yorkshire, was discovered in Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath shortly before midnight on Sunday
She was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee but was later pronounced dead
Three other members of her family were taken to hospital and have since been discharged
Christopher Rice, 35, remains in custody and will appear in court again in the next seven days

The dad of a nine-year-old girl who died after being found injured at an industrial estate in Angus has been charged with her murder.

Minnie Merriman, from West Yorkshire, was discovered in Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath shortly before midnight on Sunday.

She was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, alongside three members of her family, where she was pronounced dead.

Christopher Rice, Minnie’s father, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court on Wednesday, where he faced a single charge of murder.

Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath STV News

The 35-year-old, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, made no plea and was remanded in custody.

He is due to appear before the court again within eight days.

Family ‘devastated’

In a statement, released through Police Scotland, Minnie’s family said they were “devastated” by the death of their daughter.

They 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.”

A Crown spokesperson said: “The Procurator Fiscal has received a report in connection with the death of a child in Dundee on August 3, 2026.

“The investigation into the death is ongoing and the family will continue to be kept updated in relation to any significant developments.”

What do we know?

The patch of grass sits in front of the Halliburton manufacturing facility STV News

Minnie Merriman and her family were camping on a grassy area in Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath, ten minutes’ walk from the beach, on Sunday, August 2.

The family are from West Yorkshire, but it’s not known how long they had been in Scotland.

The patch of grass sits in front of the Halliburton manufacturing facility. It’s not clear why the family chose to camp there.

The Scottish Ambulance Service were called at 11.53pm on Sunday.

Four ambulances were sent to the scene and paramedics took four people to hospital – Minnie and three members of her family.

Police Scotland was called at around 12.02am on Monday – less than ten minutes after the ambulance service.

Officers were told a nine-year-old girl was found with serious injuries.

STV News understands that police took Minnie’s dad, 35-year-old Christopher Rice, to hospital. They arrested him and held him in custody after he was discharged.

The police said Rice was known to Minnie, but the nature of their relationship has not been officially confirmed.

Police say they’re not looking for anyone else in connection with Minnie’s death.