Three teenagers charged with murdering 16-year-old girl

Three teenagers have been charged with murdering a 16-year-old girl who died after she was found with stab wounds in a street in Leeds.

Chloe Watson Dransfield, from Gomersal, died in hospital following an incident in Kennerleigh Avenue, in the Austhorpe area of the city, at around 6am on Saturday.

Kayla Smith, 18, of Kennerleigh Avenue, and Archie Rycroft, aged 19, of Middleton Park Road, also in Leeds, have been charged with murder, West Yorkshire Police said on Tuesday.

A 17-year-old boy who cannot be named has been charged with the same offence.

The force said all three are remanded in custody and will appear before Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

It said that all three self-define their ethnicities as white British.

A force spokesman said another 18-year-old man, from Leeds, who was arrested on suspicion of murder remains in custody.

An 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl, who were also arrested on suspicion of murder, have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

On Monday evening, Chloe’s father and other family members issued a tribute, saying 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 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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

Flowers were laid in the quiet street of bungalows and scenes-of-crime officers in white protective clothing were seen going into one of the homes on Monday.

One of Chloe’s relatives has set up an online fundraising page which had raised nearly £15,000 by Tuesday morning.