Girl, 9, dies after being found injured at Arbroath industrial estate - as man arrested

A man has been arrested following the death of a nine-year-old girl who was found seriously injured at an industrial estate in Angus.

Police Scotland said the pair were "known" to each other and other members of the family, from West Yorkshire, had been camping in the area.

The force said officers were called to Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath at about 12.02am on Monday after the schoolgirl was discovered with serious injuries.

The girl was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she later died.

A 35-year-old white British man has been arrested in connection with the "suspicious" death.

Police Scotland said officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, and the other members of the family are being supported by specialist officers.

Detective Inspector Mike Ness, of the force's 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."

The area has been cordoned off and a forensics tent has been erected at the scene.

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Angus South MSP Lloyd Melville described the incident as "truly heartbreaking and deeply shocking".

He told Sky News: "The death of a nine-year-old child in such tragic circumstances is almost impossible to comprehend, and my thoughts are first and foremost with her family and loved ones at this unimaginably painful time.

"I know this news will also have profoundly affected the wider Arbroath community.

"I trust that the family and all those directly affected will receive every possible support from the appropriate services in the days ahead.

"As the police investigation continues, it is important that the family are given the privacy and space they need."

Lois Speed, who is a councillor for Arbroath East and Lunan, said her thoughts were with the "little girl and her family, and those closely affected".

She added: "I don't have much more that I can add or say, other just than express the shock and sympathies with everyone."

Lara Bird, MP for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, described the incident as "devastating".

She added: "My thoughts are with the young girl's family, friends, and everyone in the community who will be heartbroken by this tragedy.

"I want to pay tribute to our emergency services for their efforts, and to extend my support to everyone in Arbroath at this difficult time.

"I would also ask that people allow Police Scotland to carry out their inquiries, avoid speculation about the circumstances, and, where possible, avoid the area while emergency services and officers continue their work."

(c) Sky News 2026: Girl, 9, dies after being found injured at Arbroath industrial estate - as man arrested