Three teenagers have been charged with the murder of a 16-year-old who was stabbed to death in Leeds.
Chloe Watson Dransfield, from Gomersal, died in hospital after being found unconscious and seriously injured in Kennerleigh Avenue, in the city’s Austhorpe area, early on Saturday morning.
On Tuesday, West Yorkshire Police said Kayla Smith, 18, of Kennerleigh Avenue in Leeds, Archie Rycroft, 19, of Middleton Park Road in Leeds, and a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have been charged and remanded in custody.
All three, who gave their ethnicity as white British, will appear before Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
The force said that another 18-year-old man from Leeds has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody, while a third 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl who were arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on bail pending further inquiries.
A tribute from Chloe’s father and other family members, released on Monday, said they were “utterly devastated” by the death of the 16-year-old.
“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.”
A statement from Chloe’s mother 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.”
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.
