A 35-year-old man has been arrested following the death of his nine-year-old daughter in a Scottish seaside town in the early hours of Monday morning. The girl had been camping with her family when she was discovered seriously injured at the Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath, Angus, just after midnight. She was taken by ambulance to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee but later died.
Police Scotland confirmed it is treating the death as suspicious and has arrested a 35-year-old white British man who was known to the child. Two other people were also taken to Ninewells with injuries after ambulance crews were called to the site shortly before midnight.
Witnesses reported seeing a family of four cooking on a camping stove on a grassy area within the industrial estate earlier on Sunday evening. Residents have since laid flowers and cuddly toys at the scene as word spread in the coastal community. A blue electric Peugeot hatchback has been removed from the scene by police.
Police stated the girl's family had been visiting from West Yorkshire and that officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death. Other family members, who were camping in the area, are being supported by specialist officers as inquiries continue.
Detective Superintendent Nicky McGovern said officers were called to the industrial estate at approximately 12:02 a.m. on Monday. "She was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee where she later died. A 35-year-old man has been arrested in connection with her death, which is being treated as suspicious," McGovern added.
Detective Inspector Mike Ness of Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team indicated that an increased police presence would remain in the area. "Our thoughts remain with those affected by these events," Ness said.
A blue forensics tent remained at the scene, which had been cordoned off by police. Dawn Reid, a resident of Arbroath, was among those who left tributes. "It's heartbreaking. She's just a baby," Reid said.
Ryan Beattie, owner of a sports injury clinic at the industrial estate, saw the family camping earlier that evening. "I was going to my clinic at around 6:15 p.m. when I saw a wee two-man green tent on the grass," Beattie stated. "I saw a man and a woman, who I assumed to be the mum and dad and two or three children – definitely one wee girl and one wee boy." Beattie noted that they were still present when he left his clinic around 6:45 p.m., remarking, "I thought it was a bit random camping there to be honest."
Angus Council Deputy Leader Councillor Derek Wann expressed deep sadness, stating, "My heartfelt thoughts and sincere condolences are with her family, friends and everyone who knew and loved her." He urged the public to respect the family's privacy and avoid speculation during the investigation.
Arbroath and Broughty Ferry MP Lara Bird described the death as "devastating" and shared her thoughts with the family, friends, and the wider community. She also paid tribute to the emergency services.
