A 35-year-old man has been charged in connection with the death of a nine-year-old girl following an incident at an industrial estate in Arbroath, Scotland. The young girl, who was camping with her family, sustained serious injuries and later died in hospital. Police Scotland has confirmed the man will appear in court on charges related to the incident, which occurred around midnight on Monday.
Incident Details and Investigation
Emergency services, including multiple ambulance response vehicles, were dispatched to the Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath, Angus, after reports of an incident. The family, originally from West Yorkshire, had apparently been camping on the industrial site the night before. Paramedics transported four individuals to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, including the nine-year-old girl. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival at the hospital. Authorities are treating her death as suspicious and have stated they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the fatality.
The 35-year-old man, who was also taken to the hospital for treatment and subsequently discharged into police custody, is scheduled to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court. Detective Inspector Mike Ness of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team commented on the ongoing investigation: “Our thoughts remain with those affected by these events. A police presence will remain in the area while our enquiries continue.”
Scene and Witness Accounts
A police cordon was established on Peasiehill Road, outside the Halliburton plant within the industrial estate, following the incident. Witnesses reported seeing the family preparing food on a portable stove earlier in the evening. A blue forensics tent was erected within the cordon to preserve a small area of the grass where the incident is believed to have occurred. The tent was later removed on Tuesday afternoon.
A blue electric Peugeot hatchback, believed to belong to the family, was observed being removed from the scene by investigators. Ryan Beattie, who owns a sports injury clinic located on the Elliot Industrial Estate, shared his observations of the family camping on the site. He recalled seeing a small, two-man green tent on the grass around 6:15 p.m. on Sunday evening, noting the presence of a man, a woman, and two or three children, including a young girl and boy. He mentioned that the family was still present when he left his clinic around 6:45 p.m., finding their choice of location for camping somewhat unusual.
Mr. Beattie further described seeing a silver screen inside the front window of a car, speculating that some family members might have been sleeping in the vehicle due to the small size of the tent. He characterized them as an “ordinary family” and expressed his shock at the tragic turn of events, calling it a “tragedy.”
Community Response and Tributes
As news of the young girl’s death spread, local residents began leaving floral tributes and cuddly toys at the edge of the police cordon on Tuesday, honouring the youngster. The somber scene reflected the community’s grief over the tragic loss.
Councillor Derek Wann, deputy leader of Angus Council, conveyed his deep sorrow regarding the incident. “My heartfelt thoughts and sincere condolences are with her family, friends and everyone who knew and loved her,” he stated. He also acknowledged the broader impact on the community and appealed for privacy for the grieving family, urging the public to avoid speculation while the investigation proceeds. “Our community will undoubtedly come together to support one another in the days ahead,” he added.
Emergency Service Response
The Scottish Ambulance Service confirmed that they received a call at 11:53 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, to attend an incident at the Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath. Four ambulance response vehicles were dispatched to the scene. The service reported transporting four patients to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee following the incident.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the nine-year-old girl’s death is ongoing, with police continuing their inquiries in the Arbroath area. The charge against the 35-year-old man marks a significant development in the case.
