'Utterly devastated': Family release tribute to 16-year-old Chloe Watson Dransfield fatally stabbed in Leeds
The family of a 16-year-old girl fatally stabbed in Leeds say they are “utterly devastated” by her death.
West Yorkshire Police have formally named Chloe Watson Dransfield, of Gomersal, who was found unconscious in Kennerleigh Avenue, Austhorpe, at around 6am on Saturday.
She had been stabbed and died in hospital later that day.
A fifth person, a 17-year-old boy, has been arrested today (Monday) on suspicion of murder.
He remains in custody, along with two 18-year-old women, a 19-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy who were previously arrested on suspicion of murder. The suspects are all from Leeds.
Chloe’s family have now released a picture of her as they pay moving tribute to the “wonderfully cheeky“ teenager.
They said: “My beautiful princess Chloe. I cannot put into words how I feel that you are not here with me.
“You are my life, my world, my best friend and I know that I am yours. I cannot live without you - I need you.
“You are stunning, confident, loyal, honest and my family-oriented princess.
“When you walk into any room it lights up with your bubbly personality. There is so much I could say. There’s a big hole in my heart that can never be filled.
“Your two sisters and big brother will always love and miss you to infinity. You will always and forever be in our hearts. Love Mum, Connor, Courtney and Cienna.”
A second tribute reads: “Our family is utterly devastated by the loss of Chloe.
“We miss every single thing about her. She was beautiful, full of joy, and had a wonderfully cheeky personality.
“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.
“We will miss her forever, she will never be forgotten. Love you always and forever Dad, Sacha, Reuben, Mia, Amelia, Grandma, Grandad and Uncle Jordan.”
A fundraising page set up on Sunday (March 29) has already raised over £13,000 for Chloe’s funeral, as tributes have poured in for the teenager.
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team is now leading the investigation into Chloe’s death.
He said: “Our thoughts remain with Chloe’s family at this incredibly difficult time. Our specially-trained officers continue to provide them with support.
“Our investigation into her death is ongoing and five people arrested on suspicion of murder remain in custody, as we continue to establish the full circumstances of this incident.
“I am appealing to anyone with any relevant information to contact us. If you have any mobile phone footage that you believe might be connected to this incident then you can send it to our Major Incident Public Portal.”
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via the dedicated portal, on 101, or use the live chat options at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat, quoting log 280 of 28 March.
You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.