Detectives are investigating the suspicious death of a nine-year-old girl who was found fatally injured at an industrial estate in Scotland. The child, from West Yorkshire, was discovered with critical wounds inside the Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath at around 12:02 AM on Monday. She was rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Arrest and Investigation
Police Scotland have arrested a 35-year-old white British man in connection with the incident. Authorities confirmed that the girl and the man were known to each other. Officers have stated they are not looking for anyone else in relation to her death. The girl's family, who had been camping in the area, are receiving support from specialist officers.
Detective Inspector Mike Ness of Police Scotland said: “Our thoughts remain with those affected by these events. Members of the public will see an increased police presence and activity in the area as enquiries continue. This is intended to reassure the public and anyone who may have information should approach these officers.”
Witness Account
A local resident, Karen Youngson, who passed by the scene, told the BBC: “When I first went up there, I was like ‘my goodness why is there a tent there?’ There were two camping chairs, that’s all I saw, but it was the amount of rubbish, it was unbelievable. It was dark, there was no noise coming from the place, it wasn’t like there were lights or anyone sitting outside.”
Location Details
Elliot Industrial Estate is one of Arbroath’s main business and industrial areas, situated on the western edge of the town. It hosts a variety of companies involved in manufacturing, engineering, logistics, vehicle services, and technology. The estate is typically busy during working hours, but the incident occurred in the early hours, when the area would have been largely deserted.
The tragedy has shocked the local community and raised questions about safety in the area. Police have cordoned off parts of the estate as forensic teams continue their investigations. The increased police presence is expected to remain for several days as officers conduct door-to-door inquiries and review CCTV footage.
Related Incidents
In a separate incident, a six-year-old girl died in hospital after her family's car was struck by a tractor near Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire, at around 5 PM on Friday, July 31. The schoolgirl was taken to hospital with serious head injuries and died on Saturday. These two tragedies highlight the vulnerability of children in unexpected circumstances.
Police Scotland have urged anyone with information about the Arbroath incident to come forward. They have set up a dedicated phone line and are appealing for witnesses who may have seen anything suspicious in the area during the night. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as enquiries progress.
