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Minnie Merriman: Mum thanks public for 'incredible' support

News imageLaurie Merriman A woman with tied-back blonde hair with sunglasses on her head hugs a young girl, who is wearing a blue t shirt and white shorts. The woman is wearing a cream cardigan and light shorts. They are framed by cliffs and the North Sea behind them Laurie Merriman
Laurie Merriman posted a photograph of herself and Minnie at Arbroath Cliffs

The mother of a nine-year-old girl who died after being found seriously injured in Arbroath has thanked people in the town for their "incredible support."

Minnie Merriman, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, died in hospital in Dundee following an incident at Elliot Industrial Estate on 3 August.

Minnie's father Christopher Rice is accused of murdering his daughter and is currently remanded in custody ahead of a trial.

In a Facebook post, Laurie Merriman said the generosity shown by local people had been "overwhelming" and meant "more to us than we could ever put into words".

The post included a photo of Laurie and Minnie at Arbroath Cliffs.

Laurie said: "I want to thank you wholeheartedly for the incredible love and support you have shown me and my beautiful Minnie during the worst time of my life.

"The humanity and kindness carries me and will be with me every step of the way in my fight for justice for my Minnie."

Hundreds of people gathered in Arbroath's Victoria Park last week to pay their respects to Minnie.

A private ambulance carrying Minnie's body home to England was accompanied by a motorcycle escort to the park.

Local people laid flowers, poems and toys beside the private ambulance.

Following the event, which saw balloons being released, a piper led a procession accompanied by Minnie's family.

News imageFive people with a piper in front walk in front of a grey private ambulance
Minnie's family, including her mother Laurie (third from left) led the private ambulance away from the Victoria Park event accompanied by a piper

Laurie added: "To every person who came out for Minnie's journey home, every biker, neighbour and stranger who stood with us - thank you.

"To the football club for your support and the Arbroath shirts for Minnie's little brothers, the family who gave us a place to stay when we needed it most, and for the giant chocolate gifts that brought a smile to the boys' little faces.

"I will never forget your kindness."

She also thanked everyone who had donated and "helped raise money in Minnie's name".

The town previously paid tribute to Minnie with a minutes' silence before Arbroath's match against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on 8 August.

Emergency services were called to the Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath shortly after midnight on 3 August following reports that a child had been found injured.

Minnie was taken to Ninewells Hospital along with four other people, but later died as a result of her injuries.