Laurie Merriman, the mother of nine-year-old Minnie Merriman, has paid a devastating tribute to her daughter after the schoolgirl died at an industrial estate in Scotland. Minnie, from West Yorkshire, was found with serious injuries at Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath at around midnight on Monday. She was rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, along with three other family members, but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Dad Charged with Murder
Christopher Rice, 35, Minnie's father, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court on Wednesday facing a single charge of murder. He made no plea and was remanded in custody, with a further court appearance expected within eight days. Police have confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection with Minnie's death.
A Mother's Heartbreak
In a handwritten note left at the scene, alongside a Hello Kitty soft toy and a strawberry cushion, Laurie wrote: "To my Darling Minnie Moo. Where you are, we're still connected eternally. I love you, my girl. Mummy will carry your strength always." Online, she shared an emotional tribute, calling Minnie her "twin" and "first true love." She wrote: "You have always and will continue being my strength, we are connected eternally, I have never felt a love so deep and a connection so strong. My first true love, my twin, I am connected to you in life and in death, and my girl that cannot be broken, I will fight to stay strong for your little brothers. I will hold my head high, knowing you will always be holding my hand for the rest of my life. I will see you again, that I know for sure. I love you eternally."
Camping at Industrial Estate
The family had been camping on a grassy area at Elliot Industrial Estate, just a ten-minute walk from the beach. The patch of grass sits in front of the Halliburton manufacturing facility. It is not known how long they had been in Scotland before the incident or why they chose to camp there.
Emergency Response
The Scottish Ambulance Service received a call at 11:53 pm on Sunday and sent four ambulances to the scene. Paramedics took Minnie and three family members to hospital. Police were called at 12:02 am on Monday, less than ten minutes after the ambulance service, after being told a nine-year-old girl had serious injuries.
Arrest and Family Statement
It is understood Rice was taken to hospital, where he was arrested and later held in custody after being discharged. 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." Local residents have been laying floral tributes at the site. Rice is expected to appear in court again within the next eight days.
