Arbroath FC will hold a minute’s silence before their next home match in memory of a young girl who was found fatally injured close to the club’s Gayfield Park stadium.
Minnie Merriman, from West Yorkshire, was discovered seriously injured at Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath shortly before midnight on Sunday. Despite emergency services responding to the scene, the young girl did not survive.
Police have since arrested a man in connection with her death. It is alleged that Minnie was murdered by her own father, a claim that has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Angus town.
Arbroath FC moved quickly to pay their respects, confirming that a minute’s silence would be observed at Gayfield Park ahead of their upcoming fixture. The club said they wanted to honour Minnie’s memory and show solidarity with all those affected by the tragedy.
The industrial estate where Minnie was found sits not far from the famous seaside ground, a location better known for football and the town’s rich sporting heritage than for scenes of such devastating loss.
The case has deeply affected the local community in Arbroath, a town of around 23,000 people on the Angus coast. Residents have expressed their grief and disbelief on social media, with many leaving tributes to the young girl and calling for justice.
Police Scotland launched a murder investigation following the discovery and confirmed that enquiries are ongoing. The arrested man remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Minnie’s family in West Yorkshire have been informed, and the circumstances surrounding how she came to be in Arbroath on the night in question remain part of the active police inquiry.
Arbroath FC’s gesture reflects the mood of a community still coming to terms with what happened. Football clubs across Scotland have long used the pre-match silence as a way of acknowledging tragedy and loss, and the Lichties are no different in wanting to mark this moment with respect and dignity.
The investigation is being led by officers from Police Scotland’s major investigation team, and anyone with information relating to the incident has been urged to come forward.