Father arrested after nine-year-old girl dies during family camping trip in Scotland

A dad was under arrest last night over the alleged killing of his nine-year-old daughter on a family camping trip.

The 35-year-old was held after the girl was found fatally injured on an industrial estate in Arbroath.

A family was seen cooking on an outdoor stove by the roadside just hours before the nine-year-old girl was allegedly killed on a camping trip.

The youngster and her parents are understood to have pitched up for the night on the deserted industrial estate along with another child.

Passing motorists told of their surprise at seeing the makeshift camp on the edge of an oil firm’s car park, a short distance from the beach, on Sunday evening. 

A short time later the schoolgirl was found dying from injuries.

She was rushed to hospital but could not be saved.

Police have arrested her father, 35, over the tragedy, which has sent shockwaves through the seaside town.

One eyewitness said he drove past at 6pm and saw the family, from West Yorkshire, had set up a tent alongside their car.

The blue electric Peugeot had foil covering the inside of  the windscreen.

The local said: “It was a two-man, pop-up tent that you’d get in a supermarket.

“It wasn’t a substantial camping tent.

“The parents looked like they were cooking food on an outdoor camping stove.

“I thought it was pretty strange given there’s a beach two minutes away and that’s a lot more picturesque.”

At about 10pm, resident Karen Youngson also drove past.

She said: “It was just weird. I wondered why anyone would stop there.

“It’s really the last place you would expect anyone to pitch up for the night.”

Karen said there was no movement at the unusual camp site and no lights on. She added: “The whole place was a mess.

“There was rubbish all around the tent. I think there was a discarded barbecue and food wrappers.

“Whoever had been in the tent hadn’t cleared up.”

At midnight the alarm was raised and emergency services rushed to the scene.

The youngster was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she died from her injuries.

Residents said they heard a helicopter in the area at 4am.

Police yesterday cordoned off the scene on Elliot Industrial Estate, close to the Halliburton manufacturing firm.

Forensics officers were seen looking inside the car while an incident tent is believed to be covering the family’s shelter.

A local woman lay flowers on a grass verge as news of the death spread, while a note read: “So sad. Fly high beautiful girl.”

Arbroath West councillor Jack Cruickshanks last night called it “a profound tragedy”.

Fellow councillor Lois Speed said: “It is just devastating. Everyone is just shocked and saddened.

“I think everyone’s thoughts are with those directly impacted, the wee girl, her family and everyone close.”

Police Scotland confirmed the death was being treated as suspicious and they are not looking for anyone else.

Detective Inspector Mike Ness, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with those affected by these events as our enquiries continue.”

Members of the community have come to lay floral tributes to the young girl who died. One resident also placed a teddy bear at the scene.

A police presence will remain in the area as the extensive investigation continues.

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, 3 August 2026.”

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the campsite on the edge of the industrial estate yesterday evening.

Karen Youngson passed the scene while collecting a friend from the gym and told the BBC: “When I first went up there, I was like my goodness why is there a tent there?

“There were two camping chairs, that’s all I saw, but it was the amount of rubbish, it was unbelievable.

“It was dark, there was no noise coming from the place, it wasn’t like there were lights or anyone sitting outside.”

Another resident, who wished not to be named, added: “I saw a wee tent pitched on the grass – just a basic, two man pop up style tent like you’d get in a supermarket rather than a more substantial camping tent.

“The car had one of the foil windscreen covers on it.

“I thought it was a pretty strange place to camp, especially given the beach at Elliot which is two minutes away and is obviously a bit more picturesque.”

The community in Arbroath has been left shaken by the tragedy.

Arbroath East and Lunan councillor Lois Speed said it was a “heartbreaking morning”.

She said: “I think everybody is just feeling at a loss for words, because it is just devastating.

“I have not spoken to anyone directly but (from) the social media shares and comments, everyone is just shocked and saddened.

“I think everyone’s thoughts are with those directly impacted, the wee girl, her family and everyone close.

“Everyone will be thinking of them and how difficult this must be.”

Arbroath West councillor Jack Cruickshanks said: “The death of a nine-year-old girl is a profound tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones as they face an unimaginable loss.

“I want to express my gratitude to the emergency services who responded, and to acknowledge the professionalism with which they continue to carry out their duties in exceptionally difficult circumstances.

“Police Scotland have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing. It is essential that they are given the time and space to establish the full facts, and I would urge anyone who may have information that could assist their enquiries to come forward.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson added: “Extensive enquiries are ongoing after a nine-year-old girl was found seriously injured in Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath around 12.02am on Monday, 3 August 2026.

“She 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.

“Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death and the other members of the family, from West Yorkshire, who were camping in the area, are being supported by specialist officers.”