A 35-year-old man from West Yorkshire has been charged with the murder of a nine-year-old girl who died after being found seriously injured at an industrial estate in Scotland. Christopher Ryan Rice, of Wakefield, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court accused of murdering Minnie Merriman, who was known affectionately by her family as “Minnie Moo”. The nine-year-old was discovered with serious injuries shortly after midnight at Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath, Angus.
Emergency services attended and Minnie was rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, but she could not be saved and later died. Three other family members were also taken to hospital for treatment and were subsequently discharged. Rice was taken to hospital before being arrested and charged. He made no plea during his court appearance and was remanded in custody pending further court proceedings. Police have confirmed that the man charged was known to Minnie and that officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death. The family had reportedly travelled from Yorkshire and had been staying in a tent on a grassy area at the industrial estate before emergency services were called. The circumstances surrounding Minnie’s death remain under investigation. Floral tributes have since been left near the scene as the Arbroath community comes to terms with the nine-year-old’s death. In a statement released through police, Minnie’s family paid tribute to their “beloved, absolutely incredible, beautiful and brave Minnie Moo”. The family has asked for privacy while they grieve. Rice remains in custody while detectives continue their investigation and is expected to appear in court again in the coming days.
