Hundreds of mourners gathered in Arbroath to pay tribute to a nine-year-old schoolgirl who died after being found seriously injured in the town.
Minnie Merriman died in hospital after being found injured at Elliot Industrial Estate at around midnight on August 3.
Three weeks after her death, her body is to be taken back to her hometown of Wakefield in West Yorkshire.
Crowds gathered in Victoria Park in Arbroath as part of a memorial procession to pay their final respects to a “kind and thoughtful girl”.
Bunches of flowers were laid in tribute to Minnie, who was on a camping holiday with her family before she was fatally injured.
STV News
Police ScotlandMinnie’s mum, Laurie, was present, holding a stuffed rabbit and surrounded by friends and family.
Earlier, she paid tribute to her daughter, writing: “You have always and will continue being my strength, we are connected eternally, I have never felt a love so deep and a connection so strong.
“My first true love, my twin, I am connected to you in life and in death, and my girl that cannot be broken, I will fight to stay strong for your little brothers.
“I will hold my head high, knowing you will always be holding my hand for the rest of my life. I will see you again, that I know for sure. I love you eternally.”
The family brought balloons which were released into the sky in her memory.
STV NewsMinnie and her family had been camping in Arbroath when she was injured earlier this month. She was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, along with three other family members.
The nine-year-old later died as a result of her injuries.
Her father, Christopher Rice, appeared before Forfar Sheriff Court charged with her murder. He made no plea and has been fully committed for trial.
In the aftermath of her death, a fundraiser was launched by a family friend raising funds for Minnie’s family.
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