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Murder charge in Arbroath
A 35-year-old father, Christopher Rice, appeared in court charged with murder after the death of his nine-year-old daughter, Minnie Merriman, who was found injured at the Elliot industrial estate in Arbroath while her family were camping in the area.
“Christopher Rice, 35, of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, was charged with murder”
Police said Minnie and the 35-year-old were known to each other, and she was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee where she later died.
Rice, of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, made no plea when he appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody for further examination.
Detective Inspector Mike Ness of Police Scotland’s major investigation team said, "A police presence will remain in the area while our inquiries continue."
The BBC also said officers were called to the Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath shortly after midnight on Monday following reports that a child had been found injured.
Tributes and community reaction
Minnie Merriman’s family said they were "devastated with the loss of our beloved, absolutely incredible, beautiful and brave Minnie Moo" and asked that "our family asks that our privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time."
The Irish News reported that Minnie’s family were being supported by specialist officers after police said the family were camping in the area.
In Wakefield, neighbours described the family as keeping themselves to themselves, with one resident saying, "They seemed like a completely normal family and didn’t stand out in any way."
The Courier also quoted Detective Inspector Mike Ness saying, "Anyone with any concerns, or information, should approach these officers or contact Police Scotland on 101."
The BBC added that police were not looking for anyone else in connection with Minnie’s death and that the other members of the family were being supported by specialist officers.
Investigation and next court date
Rice was committed for further examination and remanded in custody, and multiple outlets said he would appear in court again within the next eight days.
“Rice will appear in court again within the next eight days”
The Irish News said Rice will appear in court again within the next eight days, while the Independent said the case was committed for further examination and Rice was remanded in custody.
Police Scotland’s Detective Inspector Mike Ness told reporters, "Anyone with any concerns, or information, should approach these officers or contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0008 of Monday, August 3 2026."
The Independent reported that at the industrial estate on Monday a blue forensic tent was set up on a grassy verge outside Halliburton Arbroath manufacturing facility, with the area taped off and a bouquet of flowers placed near the police cordon.
The Guardian said police revealed the suspect was white British after Tommy Robinson shared footage from the scene, and it also said police were not looking for anyone else in connection with Minnie’s death.
