A 35-year-old man has been charged with murder after nine-year-old Minnie Merriman was found badly hurt shortly after midnight on Monday at the Elliot industrial estate in Arbroath, Angus. Christopher Rice, 35, appeared at Forfar sheriff court on Wednesday. He did not enter a plea — a formal answer of guilty or not guilty — and was sent back to jail while the investigation continues. The Guardian

Minnie Merriman, from West Yorkshire, was taken to Ninewells hospital in Dundee, where she later died. Police Scotland confirmed that the incident happened at about 12.02 a.m. on Monday. Police Scotland The force said Rice was known to the girl and that they were not looking for anyone else. Three other family members were taken to hospital by ambulance after the incident. Rice was taken separately to hospital by officers. The Guardian

Merriman is believed to have been camping in the Arbroath area with her family. Local residents reported seeing the family with a small tent on Sunday afternoon. The Elliot industrial estate, where Merriman was found, is close to the coast. On Tuesday afternoon, police took down the cordon — a barrier keeping the public away from the scene — and removed a green car that had been inside it. The Guardian

Merriman's family released a statement through Police Scotland: "We are devastated with the loss of our beloved, absolutely incredible, beautiful and brave Minnie Moo." The Guardian

West Yorkshire Police are supporting the Police Scotland investigation. DI Mike Ness of Police Scotland's major investigation team said a police presence would remain in the area while inquiries continued. He urged anyone with concerns or information to contact Police Scotland on 101. The Guardian

Arbroath residents left flowers on a grass verge at the Elliot industrial estate. Dawn Reid, from Arbroath, told the National: "We're quite devastated by the news. Our kids are just not safe anywhere, it's just heartbreaking." Lois Speed, councillor for Arbroath East and Lunan, called the incident "heartbreaking" and said the community was in shock. The Guardian

Police Scotland first described the death as "suspicious" when announcing the arrest of the 35-year-old man. Sky News The force later confirmed that Rice had been charged with murder. Police Scotland

Police revealed that Rice was white British after far-right agitator Tommy Robinson shared footage from the scene, leading to online speculation about the suspect's background. The disclosure appears to have been a deliberate effort to counter false information spreading on social media in the hours after the incident. The Guardian

The broader context here is about a challenge police face again and again in high-profile cases: false or misleading claims can spread quickly online while an investigation is still underway. In Southport recently, false claims about a suspect's identity spread fast and contributed to public unrest. The circumstances in Arbroath are different, though, because police moved quickly to set the record straight and have said there is no broader threat to the public. The Guardian

The case now moves through the Scottish criminal justice system. Rice's next court appearance, where he may enter a plea, will follow the period of further examination. Under Scottish procedure, an accused person held in custody is typically brought back to court within a set period for a hearing where the charges are formally tested. The investigation remains active, with Police Scotland continuing to gather evidence at the scene and through community engagement in Arbroath. The Guardian