Tragedy as nine-year-old girl dies after being found badly injured at industrial estate

By CLAIRE ELLIOT, SCOTTISH GENERAL NEWS REPORTER Published: 20:30, 3 August 2026 | Updated: 20:30, 3 August 2026 A man has been arrested following the death of a nine-year-old girl in a Scots town in the early hours of Monday morning. The girl had been on a camping with her family when she was discovered seriously injured at 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 was treating the death as ‘suspicious’ and a 35-year-old white British man, who was known to the child, has been arrested in connection with the incident. It is understood two other people were also taken to hospital with injuries after ambulance crews were called to the site around midnight. Locals told they had witnessed a family of four cooking on a camping stove on a grassy area within the industrial area earlier on in the evening. And yesterday as news filtered through the shocked community, residents began laying flowers and cuddly toys at the scene. Police said the girl’s family had been visiting from West Yorkshire and officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with her death. Police are investigating the death as 'suspicious' after the girl was found injured at the Elliot Industrial Estate  The force added that other family members, who were camping in the area, were being supported by specialist officers as ‘extensive inquiries’ were ongoing. Detective Superintendent Nicky McGovern said: ‘Around 12.02am on Monday officers were called to Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath after a nine-year-old girl was found with serious injuries. ‘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.’ Detective Inspector Mike Ness of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team added that their ‘thoughts remain with those affected by these events’ and as enquiries continue, he added there will be ‘an increased police presence and activity in the area’. Last night a blue forensics tent remained at the scene with the area corded off by police. Dawn Reid, who lives in Arbroath, was one of several shocked residents in the small town who took the time to lay tributes at the scene. She said: ‘It’s heartbreaking. She’s just a baby.’ Ryan Beattie, who owns a sports injury clinic at Elliot Industrial Estate, said he saw a family camping at the estate earlier that evening. He said: ‘I was going to my clinic at around 6.15pm when I saw a wee two-man green tent on the grass. ‘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. ‘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.’ He told the Courier newspaper there was also a silver screen in the front window of a car, adding: ‘It was such a small tent I wondered if some of the family might be sleeping in the car. They looked like an ordinary family. Tributes left to honour the tragic nine-year-old Deputy leader of Angus Council Councillor Derek Wann said like ‘so many across Arbroath’ 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.’ Arbroath and Broughty Ferry MP Lara Bird described the girl’s death as ‘devastating’. She said: ‘My thoughts are with the family, friends, and everyone in the community who will be heartbroken today.’ The politician also paid tribute to the emergency services who attended the incident. Many residents in the town, which has a population of less than 24,000, also took to social media after hearing what had happened. Local Mhairi Barnes said: ‘I’m sitting here crying for a nine-year-old child that I don’t even know. Rest in peace you sweet child, you didn’t deserve this.’