Three charged with murder over death of girl, 16

Three people have been charged with murder over the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old girl in Leeds.

Chloe Watson Dransfield, from Gomersal, was found unconscious on Kennerleigh Avenue in Austhorpe shortly before 06:00 GMT on Saturday and died in hospital a short time later.

Kayla Smith, 18, of Kennerleigh Avenue, Archie Rycroft, 19, of Middleton Park Road, and a 17-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons, all appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court charged with Chloe's murder.

Smith and Rycroft were remanded into custody while the 17-year-old was remanded into secure accommodation until their next hearing at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday.

Rycroft pleaded not guilty to two charges of burglary and one of theft, relating to separate incidents in March.

The 17-year-old boy pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of burgling a house in August.

On Monday, Chloe's family released a tribute to their "beautiful princess", who lived in Gomersal in Kirklees, about 17 miles from Austhorpe.

Her 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-orientated princess."

She added: "Your two sisters and big brother will always love and miss you to infinity... you will always and forever be in our hearts."

Chloe's father wrote: "We miss every single thing about her. She was beautiful, full of joy and had a wonderfully cheeky personality.

"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."

West Yorkshire Police said an 18-year-old man from Leeds arrested on suspicion of murder remains in custody, while an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl who were arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on bail.

Chloe was a pupil at BBG Academy in Birkenshaw. The school's principal, Danielle Williams, said: "The whole community at BBG Academy has been shocked and saddened at the news of Chloe's tragic death.

"The loss of a young life with such potential for the future is a real blow to students and colleagues and an unimaginable loss to her family. Chloe was devoted to her family, a fiercely loyal friend with a big heart and happy disposition. Many students have known Chloe as a funny, vibrant girl since primary days, and she leaves a heartbreaking gap in our school community.

"Students in year 11 at school for Easter revision are being supported by colleagues and that support will be in place when we return in April. We will plan together to pay a full tribute to Chloe to commemorate her life in the months to come.

"Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to her family at this terrible time. "

Kim Leadbeater, Labour MP for Spen Valley, which cover's Chloe's home in Gomersal, said she was shocked to hear of her death.

"Her family and friends are very much in my thoughts at what I know will be an unbelievably traumatic time," she said.

"I have been in touch with the police and Chloe's school and will continue to offer my support during the coming days and weeks."

Richard Burgon MP, whose Leeds East constituency includes Austhorpe, said: "The whole community is shocked and saddened by this death.

"My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Chloe's family and friends at this very difficult time, and I urge anyone with relevant information to contact the police via their major incident public portal."