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Boy, 14, arrested on suspicion of murdering Chloe Watson Dransfield, 16, in Leeds

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder over the death of Chloe Watson Dransfield, 16.

Chloe, from Gomersal, Leeds, died in hospital after being found in the street with stab wounds in the Austhorpe area of the city just before 6am on Saturday.

Police were called on 28 March to an address in Kennerleigh Avenue, following reports a young woman had been found unconscious.

On Thursday, West Yorkshire Police confirmed another teenager had been arrested over the death and that the 14-year-old is being held in custody.

Three other teenagers have already been charged over Chloe's death, including Kayla Smith, 18, Archie Rycroft, 19, and a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of his age.

All three appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday for a brief hearing accused of Chloe's murder.

Smith and Rycroft, both from Leeds, appeared via videolink from separate prisons. The 17-year-old appeared via videolink from a secure accommodation unit.

All three spoke only to confirm their names and dates of birth during the 12-minute hearing.

No applications for bail were made and no pleas were made by the defendants.

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A provisional date for a trial, estimated to last more than two weeks, was set for 10 November, though the Recorder of Leeds, Judge Guy Kearl KC, said the date is subject to change and all three were remanded into custody.

The girl's father and other family members issued a tribute, saying they were "utterly devastated" and that she would "never be forgotten".

The said in a statement: "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."

Chloe's mother said in a separate tribute she "cannot put into words" the loss of her "beautiful princess".

She added: "You are my life, my world, my best friend and I know that I am yours. I cannot live without you - I need you."

Sky News

(c) Sky News 2026: Boy, 14, arrested on suspicion of murdering Chloe Watson Dransfield, 16, in Leeds

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