Girl, 9, was camping in Scots industrial estate with family before death as man ‘known to her’ arrested

A NINE-year-old girl was camping with family on a Scots industrial estate before she died. The child was found seriously injured on the Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath shortly after midnight. A nine year old girl has died after being found seriously injured at a Scots industrial estate Credit: Andrew Barr Floral tributes and a teddy bear have been left at the scene Credit: Andrew Barr She was raced to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee where she sadly died, with cops treating her death as “suspicious.” It has emerged the family, from West Yorkshire, were camping at the site that evening. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! A 35-year-old white British man who was known to the girl who died has been arrested. Cops say they aren’t looking for anyone else in connection with the death. The rest of the family are also being supported by specialist officers. A major investigation is underway to find out what happened with cops sealing off the scene. A blue forensics tent has also been set up on the edge of the industrial estate near a car with covered windows. Members of the community have come to lay floral tributes to the young girl who died. One resident also placed a teddy bear at the scene. Most read in The Sun A 35-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death Credit: Andrew Barr A major investigation is currently underway Credit: Andrew Barr A police presence will remain in the area as the extensive investigation continues. Detective Inspector Mike Ness of the Major Investigation Team 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 or contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0008 of Monday, 3 August 2026.” Eyewitnesses reported seeing the campsite on the edge of the industrial estate yesterday evening. Karen Youngson passed the scene while collecting a friend from the gym and 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.” The community in Arbroath has been left shaken by the tragedy. Arbroath East and Lunan councillor Lois Speed said it was a “heartbreaking morning.” She said: “I think everybody is just feeling at a loss for words, because it is just devastating. “I have not spoken to anyone directly but (from) the social media shares and comments, everyone is just shocked and saddened. “I think everyone’s thoughts are with those directly impacted, the wee girl, her family and everyone close. “Everyone will be thinking of them and how difficult this must be.” Arbroath West councillor Jack Cruickshanks said: “The death of a nine-year-old girl is a profound tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones as they face an unimaginable loss. “I want to express my gratitude to the emergency services who responded, and to acknowledge the professionalism with which they continue to carry out their duties in exceptionally difficult circumstances. “Police Scotland have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing. It is essential that they are given the time and space to establish the full facts, and I would urge anyone who may have information that could assist their enquiries to come forward.” A Police Scotland spokesperson added: “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.” 1 comment1