Family pay tribute to stabbing victim Chloe Watson Dransfield - as police make fresh arrest

The family of a 16-year-old girl who died after a stabbing in Leeds have paid tribute to her - as police made a fifth arrest.

West Yorkshire Police named the victim as Chloe Watson Dransfield from Gomersal, West Yorkshire.

She was found unconscious with stab wounds in the city at 5.55am on Saturday.

In a statement, her family 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."

They added: "Your two sisters and big brother will always love and miss you to infinity. You will always and forever be in our hearts. Love Mum, Connor, Courtney and Cienna."

Police were called to Kennerleigh Avenue, in the Austhorpe area of Leeds, on Saturday morning following reports that a young woman had been found unconscious.

Four people remain in police custody on Monday after they were arrested on suspicion of murder.

A fifth person, a 17-year-old boy, was arrested on Monday on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody.

Flowers have been left at the scene for the teenager.

One of the messages said it was for "my beautiful girl" and "rest easy my Chloe. Love you forever my crazy girl".

Two women taped a photo of Chloe to a box on the roadside next to bouquets of flowers.

A relative, who set up an online fundraising page, said on the site her "life was sadly taken in tragedy, 16 years young, didn't even make it to her 18th".

'Innocent beautiful soul'

They said: "I wanted to create a GoFundMe to help give her the best send-off possible. She didn't deserve this.

"She was so full of life. Such an innocent beautiful soul taken too soon."

The initial four arrested include two women aged 18, a man aged 19 and a 17-year-old boy, who were all arrested at a nearby address.

Read more:
Australian fugitive accused of killing police officers 'shot dead'
Hunt for killer after man shot dead in London

Police statement

Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, who is now leading the investigation, said: "Our thoughts remain with Chloe's family at this incredibly difficult time. Our specially-trained officers continue to provide them with support.

"Our investigation into her death is ongoing and five people arrested on suspicion of murder remain in custody, as we continue to establish the full circumstances of this incident.

"I am appealing to anyone with any relevant information to contact us."

(c) Sky News 2026: Family pay tribute to stabbing victim Chloe Watson Dransfield - as police make fresh arrest<