Mother of 'murdered' nine-year-old girl leaves heartbreaking tribute saying she will be 'eternally connected' to her daughter as father is charged with her killing

By ELIZABETH HAIGH, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 12:45, 6 August 2026 | Updated: 12:45, 6 August 2026 The mother of a nine-year-old girl who died on a Scottish industrial estate while camping with her family has said she will be 'eternally connected' to her daughter, after the girl's father was charged with her murder. Minnie Merriman, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, 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.  Her father Christopher Rice, 35, appeared on petition at Forfar Sheriff Court in Angus on Wednesday, where he was not asked to enter a plea. Since Minnie's death, floral tributes and toys have been left at the scene including a heartbreaking tribute from her mother. She wrote: 'To my darling Minnie Moo. Wherever you are, we're still connected eternally. 'I love you my girl. Mammy will carry your strength always.' Previously 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. Minnie Merriman, nine, has been named as the girl who died following an incident at an industrial estate in Arbroath A note left by Minnie's mother at the scene at Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath, Scotland 'Our family asks that our privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.' In the early hours of Monday morning, emergency services including four ambulances were called to the industrial estate where the family had camped 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. Christopher Rice, 35, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court charged with her murder on Wednesday 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) As tributes grew at the scene, many local people came to pay their respects. One tribute read: 'In the arms of the angels little one, may you rest in peace. From friends you do not know xx.'  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.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.