Schoolgirl dies from injuries after camping trip on industrial estate

A nine-year-old girl has died after being found seriously injured at an industrial estate in Arbroath, with police arresting a 35-year-old man in connection with the incident and confirming that they are not seeking anyone else in relation to the death. The youngster was discovered at approximately midnight on Monday at Elliot Industrial Estate, close to the Halliburton manufacturing facility, and was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she later succumbed to her injuries. The man, who is understood to be the girl's father and is from West Yorkshire, was arrested at the scene, with the family, who had been camping in the area, now being supported by specialist officers. The death is being treated as suspicious, with Detective Inspector Mike Ness of the Major Investigation Team stating: "Our thoughts remain with those affected by these events as our enquiries continue."

Eyewitnesses have described seeing the family, accompanied by another child, camping in an unusual location on the edge of the car park of an oil firm, a short distance from the beach, on Sunday evening. One motorist, who passed the scene at around 6pm, told of his surprise at seeing a makeshift camp consisting of a two-man pop-up tent, the kind typically purchased from a supermarket, alongside a blue electric Peugeot with foil covering the inside of its windscreen. The parents were observed cooking food on an outdoor camping stove, the witness said, adding: "I thought it was pretty strange given there's a beach two minutes away and that's a lot more picturesque." Another resident, who passed the scene at approximately 10pm, described the camp as "weird", noting that there was no movement, no lights and that the area was strewn with rubbish, including a discarded barbecue and food wrappers.

The alarm was raised at midnight, prompting a major emergency response, with residents later reporting hearing a helicopter in the area at around 4am. Police cordoned off the scene on Monday, with forensic investigators in hazmat suits photographing the area and an incident tent erected over the family's shelter. Flowers and a pink teddy bear have been laid at the scene, with one note reading: "So sad. Fly high beautiful girl." Another card bore the message: "IN THE ARM'S OF THE ANGEL'S LITTLE ONE MAY YOU REST IN PEACE FROM FRIENDS YOU DO NOT KNOW." Local councillors have expressed their shock and sorrow at the tragedy. Arbroath East and Lunan councillor Lois Speed described it as a "heartbreaking morning", adding: "Everyone is just shocked and saddened. I think everyone's thoughts are with those directly impacted, the wee girl, her family and everyone close." Arbroath West councillor Jack Cruickshanks called the death "a profound tragedy" and expressed his gratitude to the emergency services for their professionalism in exceptionally difficult circumstances.

Karen Youngson, who passed the scene while collecting a friend from the gym, 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." Another resident, who wished not to be named, observed: "I saw a wee tent pitched on the grass – just a basic, two man pop up style tent like you'd get in a supermarket rather than a more substantial camping tent. The car had one of the foil windscreen covers on it. I thought it was a pretty strange place to camp, especially given the beach at Elliot which is two minutes away and is obviously a bit more picturesque."

Police Scotland has confirmed that extensive inquiries are ongoing, with a police presence remaining in the area to reassure the public and assist anyone with information. A spokesperson stated: "Extensive enquiries are ongoing after a nine-year-old girl was found seriously injured in Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath around 12.02am on Monday, 3 August 2026. She was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she later died. Her death is being treated as suspicious, and a 35-year-old white British man has been arrested. The nine-year-old girl and the 35-year-old man are known to each. Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death and the other members of the family, from West Yorkshire, who were camping in the area, are being supported by specialist officers." Members of the public who may have information are urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0008 of Monday, 3 August 2026.