The mother of a nine-year-old girl allegedly murdered by her father on a family camping trip in Scotland broke down in tears yesterday as she joined a farewell procession for her daughter.
Laurie Merriman became emotional as she said her final goodbyes to daughter Minnie at the parade in Arbroath, Angus, accompanied by bikers and a piper.
Minnie, from West Yorkshire, was found seriously injured at the Elliot industrial estate in the town. She later died in hospital.
Her father, 35-year-old Christopher Rice, was charged with her murder earlier this month and was remanded in custody following an appearance at Forfar Sheriff Court.
The family had been camping nearby at the time Minnie was injured.
Yesterday Ms Merriman held a bunny bearing her daughter's name as she pressed her head against the side of the van carrying Minnie's body.
'Love you forever Minnie,' the mother said, before walking with family in front of the vehicle.
The van began travelling home to Wakefield, three weeks after the girl's death.
Laurie Merriman (third left) cried as she attended a farewell procession for her daughter yesterday
Ms Merriman held a bunny branded with her daughter's name as she pressed her head against the side of the van carrying Minnie's body
Minnie Merriman died after suffering injuries at an industrial estate in Arbroath on August 3
A huge crowd of mourners gathered for the seafront memorial, with bikers and a piper leading the service.
Ms Merriman sobbed throughout the procession and was comforted by friends and family.
She laid flowers down for Minnie, placing them next to toys and floral tributes left by residents.
The mother had been in Scotland while waiting for the green light to take Minnie's body home.
Flowers were previously left at the industrial estate as officers investigated Minnie's death in the days following her injuries.
Earlier this month it was reported that NHS staff allegedly accessed Minnie's medical records.
Health board NHS Tayside, which runs the hospital, said it was investigating an alleged data breach amidst claims staff accessed the girl's medical records without clinical need or permission.
Following Minnie's injuries, emergency services including four ambulances were called to the estate where the family had camped the night before.
Family members, friends and locals came to mourn Millie at the send-off parade in Arbroath, Angus, yesterday
Christopher Rice appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court after being charged with his daughter's murder
Minnie and three others were taken to hospital, where Minnie later died. Rice was taken separately and later discharged before being arrested.
A spokesman for the health board said previously: 'NHS Tayside is currently investigating the circumstances of an alleged data breach, which happened in a working clinical area where staff access patient information.
'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.
'It would not be appropriate for us to comment further on individual staffing matters.'