Man, 35, is charged over industrial estate death of nine-year-old girl who was camping with family
The father of a nine-year-old girl who died on a Scottish industrial estate while camping with her family has appeared in court charged with her murder.Christopher Rice, 35, appeared on petition at Forfar Sheriff Court in Angus today charged with the murder of Minnie Merriman.Minnie was found with serious injuries by emergency services crews at Elliot Industrial Estate in nearby Arbroath early on Monday morning.Paramedics took her and three other people to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she succumbed to her injuries.Rice, described by police as a white British male, appeared before a sheriff in private on Wednesday afternoon.His address was given as Wakefield in West Yorkshire. He entered no plea to the single charge of murder.The case was committed for further examination and Rice was remanded in custody. He is due back in court within eight days.In a statement released through Police Scotland, Minnie's 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.' Minnie Merriman, nine, has been named as the girl who died following an incident at an industrial estate in Arbroath Christopher Rice, 35, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court charged with her murder today Police have charged a 35-year-old man over Minnie's death, describing it as 'suspicious' (pictured, police laying tributes on behalf of the public at the scene in Arbroath)Emergency services including four ambulance response vehicles were called to the industrial estate in the early hours where the family, from West Yorkshire, had been camping the night before.Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the tragedy.Detective Inspector Mike Ness, of Police Scotland's 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.'A cordon was established in the aftermath of the incident on Peasiehill Road outside the Halliburton plant within the estate.Witnesses said they had seen the family cooking food on a portable stove earlier in the evening.Within the cordon, a blue forensics tent protected a small area of grass from the elements, which was taken down on Tuesday afternoon.A blue electric Peugeot hatchback thought to belong to the family was later removed.Flowers and cuddly toys were laid at the scene by locals on Tuesday as word of the incident spread. One tribute read: 'In the arms of the angels little one, may you rest in peace. From friends you do not know xx.' Ryan Beattie, who owns a sports injury clinic at Elliot Industrial Estate, said he had seen a family camping at the estate earlier that evening.'I was going to my clinic at around 6.15pm when I saw a wee two-man green tent on the grass,' he said.'When I left my clinic at around 6.45pm they were still there. I thought it was a bit random camping there to be honest.' Police removed a blue Peugeot hatchback from the scene at Arbroath's Elliot Industrial Estate Tributes were left at the edge of the police cordon honouring the nine-year-old Cllr Derek Wann, deputy leader of Angus Council, said he was 'deeply saddened by the tragic death of a young girl'.He added: 'My heartfelt thoughts and sincere condolences are with her family, friends and everyone who knew and loved her. I also recognise the impact this will have on our wider community.'I would ask everyone to respect the family's privacy at this incredibly difficult time and to avoid speculation while Police Scotland continue their investigation.'Our community will undoubtedly come together to support one another in the days ahead.'The Scottish Ambulance Service said: 'We received a call at 23:53 on Sunday 2 August to attend an incident at Elliot Industrial Estate, Arbroath.'We dispatched four ambulance response vehicles to the scene and we transported four patients to Ninewells Hospital.'Get your news delivered straight to you by 7am – sign up to our new Morning Mail newsletter for FREE.
