First pic of ‘incredible’ schoolgirl, 9, who died in Arbroath as dad charged with murder

A SCHOOLGIRL allegedly killed after camping with her family at an industrial estate in a Scots seaside town has been named.

Minnie Merriman, nine, was found seriously injured at the Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath, Angus, shortly after midnight on Monday.

The youngster – described by devastated loved ones as their “beautiful and brave Minnie Moo” – was rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she sadly passed away.

The child’s dad, Christopher Rice, was charged in connection with her alleged murder and appeared at court on Wednesday morning.

The 35-year-old, of West Yorkshire, was led into Forfar Sheriff Court in cuffs by officers.

He made no plea and was remanded in custody.

The tragic schoolgirl, who was on a family camping trip from West Yorkshire, was found fatally injured shortly after midnight on Monday.

Emergency services flooded the scene after the alarm was raised and Minnie was rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee by ambulance, where she later died.

In a tribute following her death Minnie’s devastated family described her as their “beautiful and brave Minnie Moo”

In a statement, released through Police Scotland, Minnie’s heartbroken family 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 of the Major Investigation Team said: “Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by these events, especially Minnie’s family.

“A police presence will remain in the area while our enquiries 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.”

We previously told how Minnie was discovered fatally injured at the industrial park after a family ‘camping’ trip which led them to pitch a tent within the estate.

Witnesses told how they were seen cooking on an outdoor stove by the roadside less than a mile from the seafront just hours before she was found injured.

Locals told of their surprise at seeing the makeshift camp on the edge of an oil firm’s car park, a short distance from the beach, on Sunday evening.

Emergency crews swarmed the area after the alarm was raised just before midnight on Sunday.

Minnie was rushed to hospital along with three other patients before she died.

Her dad was taken to the same hospital separately but was later released into police custody before being charged in connection with her death.

Forensics officers were seen looking inside the car while an incident tent is believed to have been covering the family’s shelter.

Shocked local residents have been visiting the site where Minnie was found to lay floral tributes.

Rice is expected to appear in court again within the next eight days.