The family of a nine-year-old girl who died after being found seriously injured on an industrial estate in Arbroath said they are "devastated" at her loss, as NHS Tayside investigates an alleged data breach into her medical records. Police have named her as Minnie Merriman from West Yorkshire, and she died in Dundee's Ninewells Hospital on Sunday.
Officers were called to the Elliot Industrial Estate shortly after midnight following reports that a child had been found injured.
A 35-year-old man, who was known to the girl, has been charged in connection with her death and is due to appear at Forfar Sheriff Court.
Police said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death and the other members of the family - who were camping in the area - are being supported by specialist officers.
NHS Tayside said it was investigating the circumstances of the alleged breach, which it said happened in a clinical area where staff access patient information.
A spokesperson said: "As a matter of governance, any data protection breach would be recorded and investigated by NHS Tayside and, where appropriate, reported to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)."
The spokesperson added: "It would not be appropriate for us to comment further on individual staffing matters."
In a statement issued through Police Scotland, Minnie's family said:
We are devastated with the loss of our beloved, absolutely incredible, beautiful and brave Minnie Moo.
Our family asks that our privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.
Det Insp Mike Ness said:
Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by these events, especially Minnie's family.
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., external
The police presence in the area is expected to remain while inquiries continue.
What have police said about the investigation?
Police said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death, and specialist officers are supporting the other members of the family, who were camping in the area.
The second outlet reported that Rice from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, made no plea during an appearance in private at Forfar Sheriff Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody. Our current article says the 35-year-old man, who was known to Minnie Merriman, is due to appear at the court.
What has NHS Tayside said about the alleged data breach?
NHS Tayside said it is investigating the circumstances of the alleged breach and said it would follow its normal governance process if a data protection breach was confirmed. The health board said any such incident would be recorded, investigated and, where appropriate, reported to the ICO.
It also said it would not be appropriate to comment further on individual staffing matters.
What happens next?
The 35-year-old man, who was known to Minnie Merriman, is due to appear at Forfar Sheriff Court. Police said anyone with concerns or information should approach officers at the scene or contact Police Scotland.
Key Facts
- Minnie Merriman was nine years old and from West Yorkshire.
- She died in Dundee's Ninewells Hospital on Sunday.
- Police were called to the Elliot Industrial Estate shortly after midnight after reports that a child had been found injured.
- A 35-year-old man, known to the girl, has been charged in connection with her death.
- NHS Tayside is investigating an alleged data breach into her medical records.
