POLICE Scotland have issued an update in response to misinformation after a nine-year-old girl was found seriously injured at an industrial estate in Arbroath and later died.
At around 12.02am on Monday, August 3, the nine-year-old girl was found at the Elliot Industrial Estate and 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 other.
The other members of the family, from West Yorkshire, who were camping in the area, are being supported by specialist officers.
Officers have said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.
The update comes after far-right agitator Tommy Robinson shared a video from the scene of the incident, leading to online speculation of the man's racial background. His post had been seen more than 80,000 times in just over an hour.
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, August 3 2026.”
At the industrial estate on Monday, a blue forensic tent was set up on a grassy verge outside Halliburton Arbroath manufacturing facility.
The area was taped off, with two police vehicles still at the scene and officers guarding the area.
Flowers were placed on the grass near the police cordon.
Lois Speed, who is a councillor for Arbroath East and Lunan, posted on social media, saying the news was “heartbreaking”.
She later told the press she wished to “express the shock within the community this morning”.
Speed said: “Really just my thoughts are with the little girl and her family, and those closely affected.
“I don’t have much more that I can add or say, other just than express the shock and sympathies with everyone.”
Dawn Reid, who is from Arbroath, went to the industrial estate on Monday to lay flowers.
She said: “We’re quite devastated by the news. Our kids are just not safe anywhere, it’s just heartbreaking.”
She continued: “I just wish them all the best. She’s got a long road ahead of her that poor mum.
“Devastated for her, there’s no need for it.”
