NHS Tayside probes possible breach of nine-year-old murder victim's records

NHS Tayside announced an investigation into a reported data breach affecting the medical records of Minnie Merriman, a nine-year-old from West Yorkshire who died following a serious injury on an industrial estate in Arbroath. The alleged breach took place in a clinical zone where employees can access patient data. Authorities have charged a 35-year-old man, known to the child, with her murder; he appeared in private at Forfar Sheriff Court and was remanded in custody without entering a plea.

The health board said any breach would be recorded, investigated and, if appropriate, reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office, while refusing to discuss individual staffing issues. Police confirmed no further suspects are being sought and that the victim’s family, who were camping nearby, are receiving specialist support. The family issued a statement asking for privacy during this difficult period.