Police Scotland has charged a 35-year-old man in connection with the death of a nine-year-old girl. The incident occurred around midnight on Monday at the Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath, Angus. Authorities are treating the girl's death as suspicious.
Emergency services, including four ambulance response vehicles, were dispatched to the scene. The family, who are from West Yorkshire, had reportedly been camping at the industrial estate. Paramedics transported four individuals to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where the young girl later died from serious injuries. The 35-year-old man was also taken to the hospital, subsequently discharged, and then taken into police custody. He is scheduled to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court.
A police cordon was established on Peasiehill Road, outside the Halliburton plant within the estate. Witnesses reported seeing the family cooking food on a portable stove earlier in the evening. A blue electric Peugeot hatchback, believed to belong to the family, was later removed from the scene by investigators.
Ryan Beattie, who owns a sports injury clinic at the estate, observed a small green tent on the grass around 6:15 p.m. on Monday evening. He saw a man, a woman, and two or three children, including a young girl and boy, whom he assumed to be a family. They were still present when he left at approximately 6:45 p.m. Beattie noted that the tent appeared small and suggested some family members might have been sleeping in their car. He described them as looking like an ordinary family.
Detective Inspector Mike Ness of Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team stated that a police presence would remain in the area as inquiries continue. He added, "Our thoughts remain with those affected by these events."
Locals placed flowers and cuddly toys at the scene on Tuesday as news of the tragedy spread. Cllr Derek Wann, deputy leader of Angus Council, expressed deep sadness over the girl's death and extended condolences to her family and friends. He urged the public to respect the family's privacy and avoid speculation during the ongoing investigation.
