Man charged in connection with death of girl on camping trip in Scotland

A man has been charged in connection with the death of a nine-year-old girl on a family camping trip in Scotland.

The girl, from West Yorkshire, was found seriously injured just after midnight on Monday morning at the Elliot industrial estate in Arbroath, Angus.

She was taken to Ninewells hospital in Dundee where she later died. According to local news reports, three other family members were also taken to hospital by ambulance.

It is understood these did not include the 35-year-old man, who was taken separately to hospital by officers. Police are treating the girl’s death as suspicious and the man, whom Police Scotland described as white British, is due to appear at Dundee sheriff court on Wednesday.

Police revealed details of the man’s ethnicity after the far-right agitator Tommy Robinson shared footage from the scene of the incident, leading to speculation online about the man’s background.

Police said the man was known to the girl who died and they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the death.

DI Mike Ness, of Police Scotland’s major investigation team, said: “Our thoughts remain with those affected by these events. A police presence will remain in the area while our inquiries continue. Anyone with any concerns, or information, should approach these officers or contact Police Scotland on 101.”

The girl is believed to have been camping in the area with her family. Local people said they had seen the family, with a small tent, in the area on Sunday afternoon.

Arbroath residents left floral tributes on a grass verge at the industrial estate, which is located close to the coast.

Dawn Reid, from the town, told the National: “We’re quite devastated by the news. Our kids are just not safe anywhere, it’s just heartbreaking. I just wish them all the best. She’s got a long road ahead of her, that poor mum.”

Lois Speed, a councillor for Arbroath East and Lunan, said on social mediathat the girl’s death was “heartbreaking”. She told local media she wanted to “express the shock within the community this morning”.

“Really just my thoughts are with the little girl and her family, and those closely affected,” Speed said. “I don’t have much more that I can add or say, other just than express the shock and sympathies with everyone.”

On Tuesday afternoon a police cordon around the scene was lifted and a green car that had been inside it had been removed.

It is understood West Yorkshire police are supporting the Police Scotland investigation.