Chloe Watson Dransfield: police issue update on boy, 14, arrested as part of murder investigation

An update has been issued on a teenage boy who was arrested as part of the investigation into the death of Chloe Watson Dransfield.

Three people have been charged and appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday (April 2). The same day, West Yorkshire Police confirmed that they had made a further arrest.

A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder. In an update today (April 7), the force confirmed that he had been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Kayla Smith, 18, Archie Rycroft, 19 and a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday for a brief hearing accused of the murder of Chloe Watson Dransfield.

Chloe Watson Dransfield was found with stab wounds in a street in Austhorpe on the morning of Saturday March 28 | PA/WYP

The alleged victim was found with stab wounds in a street in the Austhorpe area of Leeds on the morning of Saturday, March 28.

Smith, Kennerleigh Avenue, Leeds, and Rycroft, of Middleton Park Road, Leeds, appeared via videolink from separate prisons, with the 17-year-old appearing 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.

A provisional date for a trial, estimated to last more than two weeks, was set for November 10, though the Recorder of Leeds, Judge Guy Kearl KC, said the date may change.

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

A pre-trial hearing was set for May 1.

Remanding all three into custody, Judge Kearl told the defendants: “You will next come back before this court on the first of May.

“For the moment, each of you will be remain in custody according to your age.”

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

Chloe, from Gomersal, died in hospital following an incident in Kennerleigh Avenue in the Austhorpe area of Leeds, at about 6am on March 28.

The girl’s father and other family members issued a tribute, saying they were “utterly devastated” and that 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.”

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.”

Members of the public are reminded that this is a live investigation and are asked to refrain from making comments or suggestions which may jeopardise court proceedings.