A man has been arrested in relation to the tragic death of a nine-year-old girl during a family camping excursion in Scotland.
The child, originally from West Yorkshire, was discovered with severe injuries shortly after midnight on Monday at the Elliot industrial estate in Arbroath, Angus. She was promptly transported to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she unfortunately succumbed to her injuries. Reports indicate that three other family members were also taken to the hospital, but they did not include the 35-year-old man, who was escorted to a medical facility separately by law enforcement officials.
The police are treating the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death as suspicious. The man, characterized by Police Scotland as white British, is scheduled to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court on Wednesday. Authorities disclosed the man’s ethnicity following the dissemination of footage from the incident by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, which sparked online speculation regarding the man’s identity.
Officials confirmed that the man had a prior relationship with the deceased girl and stated that they are not searching for any additional suspects related to her death. Detective Inspector Mike Ness from Police Scotland’s major investigation team expressed condolences to those affected by the incident, adding that a police presence would remain in the area as investigations proceed. He encouraged anyone with concerns or information to approach the officers on site or to contact Police Scotland at 101.
The girl was reportedly camping with her family in the vicinity, and local residents noted seeing them with a small tent on Sunday afternoon. In a display of community support, residents of Arbroath have laid flowers at a grassy area near the industrial estate, which is situated close to the coast.
Dawn Reid, a local resident, expressed her sorrow to the National, stating, “We’re quite devastated by the news. Our kids are just not safe anywhere, it’s just heartbreaking. I just wish them all the best. She’s got a long road ahead of her, that poor mum.”
Lois Speed, a councillor for Arbroath East and Lunan, took to social media to label the girl’s death as “heartbreaking.” In discussions with local media, she conveyed the shock felt within the community, saying, “Really just my thoughts are with the little girl and her family, and those closely affected. I don’t have much more that I can add or say, other just than express the shock and sympathies with everyone.”
On Tuesday afternoon, the police cordon around the incident site was removed, and a green vehicle that had been within the perimeter was taken away. Additionally, it has been reported that West Yorkshire Police are providing support for the ongoing investigation led by Police Scotland.
