Another arrest and three teenagers in court over murder of Chloe Watson Dransfield in Leeds

Chloe was found unconscious in the Austhorpe area.Credit: Facebook

Another teenager has been arrested in connection with the murder of Chloe Watson Dransfield, on the same day three have appeared at Leeds Crown Court.

Chloe was found unconscious at an address on Kennerleigh Avenue in Austhorpe in the early hours of Saturday 28 March.

She died in hospital a short time later.

On Thursday 2 April, a 14-year-old boy from Leeds was arrested on suspicion of murder.

As well as this, three teenagers appeared at Leeds Crown Court via video link from a secure accommodation unit.

Kayla Smith, aged 18 and of Kennerleigh Avenue, and Archie Rycroft, aged 19 and of Middleton Park Road, are both charged with murder.

A 17-year-old boy who cannot be named because of his age has also been charged with murder. West Yorkshire Police confirmed all three self-defined as white British.

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

No applications for bail were made.

Recorder of Leeds, Judge Guy Kearl KC, said a pre-trial hearing will take place 1 May where pleas will be entered.

A provisional trial date was also set for 10 November, which is expected to last more than two weeks.

He said: “It’s important that this matter is dealt with as soon as possibly can be – any delay should be kept to a minimum.”

The court was also told a second post-mortem examination for the victim was not required, which would be a comfort to her family.

All three were remanded in custody until the next hearing.