Police make urgent appeal for video footage after death of Chloe Watson Dransfield
Detectives investigating the death of Chloe Watson Dransfield are appealing for video footage of the incident.
The 16-year-old was fatally stabbed in a street in the Austhorpe area of the city on Saturday (March 28). Three teenagers have been charged with her murder and appeared in court for the first time on Tuesday (March 31).
Police believe that footage of the incident has been circulating on social media and the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team is urging anyone with the video to submit it to help with the investigation.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, said: “We have seen the impact that Chloe’s death has had – not just on her family and friends, but also across our communities.
“While we have so far charged three people with her murder, this is very much an ongoing investigation, and we are committed to bringing all those responsible for causing Chloe’s death to justice.
“We believe this footage, which we understand may be being shared on Tiktok or Snapchat, will lead us to the truth about what happened in Kennerleigh Avenue in Austhorpe in the early hours of last Saturday.
“I am urging anyone who has it to submit it to us by using the Major Incident Public Portal.”
A total of six people have been arrested in connection with this investigation so far.
An 18-year-old man from Leeds who was arrested yesterday (March 31) on suspicion of murder has been released on bail pending further enquiries, along with an 18-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy who were arrested on suspicion of murder last Saturday.
Kayla Smith, aged 18, and Archie Rycroft, aged 19, who have been charged with Chloe’s murder, have been remanded in custody to appear before Leeds Crown Court tomorrow (April 2) along with a 17-year-old boy from Leeds who cannot be named for legal reasons.
In a tribute to Chloe, released on Monday (March 30), her mother said: “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.”
In a separate tribute, Chloe’s father and other family members said they were “utterly devastated” and 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 added.
“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.”
If you can assist this investigation then please contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team on 101, or by using the livechat facility on the website, quoting Operation Plaitglass.
Information can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.