A man who was arrested following the death of a nine-year-old girl in Arbroath was known to her, police have confirmed.

Police Scotland said the girl, who had been camping in the area with her family, was found injured at Elliot industrial estate in the Angus town at about 12.02am on Monday.

She was then taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she died. Her death is being treated as suspicious, policy say.

The 35-year-old man who was arrested in connection with her death is white and British, Police Scotland said.

The force said other members of the family, who are from West Yorkshire, had been camping in the area.

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 inquiries 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 August 3.”

At the industrial estate on Monday, a blue forensic tent was set up on a grassy verge outside Halliburton Arbroath manufacturing facility.

The area was taped off, with two police vehicles still at the scene and officers guarding the area.

Flowers were placed on the grass near the police cordon.

Lois Speed, who is a councillor for Arbroath East and Lunan, posted on social media, saying the news was “heartbreaking”.

She later told Press Association she wished to “express the shock within the community this morning”.

Ms Speed said: “Really just my thoughts are with the little girl and her family, and those closely affected.

“I don’t have much more that I can add or say, other just than express the shock and sympathies with everyone.”

Dawn Reid, who is from Arbroath, went to the industrial estate on Monday to lay flowers.

She told PA: “We’re quite devastated by the news. Our kids are just not safe anywhere, it’s just heartbreaking.”

She continued: “I just wish them all the best. She’s got a long road ahead of her that poor mum.

“Devastated for her, there’s no need for it.”