Chloe Watson Dransfield: Police arrest 14-year-old boy from Leeds on suspicion of murder
Police investigating the death of Chloe Watson Dransfield have now arrested a 14-year-old boy.
The teenager, of Leeds, was arrested earlier today (Thursday April 2) on suspicion of murder, West Yorkshire Police said.
He remains in police custody.
The new arrest comes after three teenagers appeared at Leeds Crown Court this morning accused of murdering 16-year-old Chloe, who was found with stab wounds in a street in Austhorpe on the morning of Saturday March 28.
Kayla Smith, 18, Archie Rycroft, 19 and a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared at the court for a brief hearing, and may go on trial in November.
Smith, Kennerleigh Avenue, Leeds, and Rycroft, of Middleton Park Road, Leeds, appeared via videolink from separate prisons, with the 17-year-old appearing via videolink from a secure accommodation unit.
A provisional date for a trial, estimated to last more than two weeks, was set for November 10, though the Recorder of Leeds, Judge Guy Kearl KC, said the date may change.
Confirming the arrest of the 14-year-old boy, a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “Members of the public are reminded that this is a live investigation and are asked to refrain from making comments or suggestions which may jeopardise court proceedings.”
Chloe, of Gomersal, died in hospital following an incident in Kennerleigh Avenue at about 6am last Saturday.
The girl’s father and other family members issued a tribute, saying they were “utterly devastated” and that she would “never be forgotten”.
“We miss every single thing about her. She was beautiful, full of joy, and had a wonderfully cheeky personality,” they said.
“She embraced life with such happiness, and she had her whole future ahead of her. Chloe was loved by everyone who knew her, and the absence she leaves behind is immeasurable.”
In a separate tribute, Chloe’s mother said she “cannot put into words” the loss of her “beautiful princess”.
“You are my life, my world, my best friend and I know that I am yours. I cannot live without you – I need you.”