Cousin of teen girl killed in street issues statement to those 'standing by us'

Chloe, 16, died after being stabbed and seven arrests have been made

The cousin of tragic Chloe Watson Dransfield has issued an emotional update after more than £22,000 was donated to give the teenager the ‘send off she truly deserves.’

Chloe, from Gomersal, was found with stab wounds in Kennerleigh Avenue, Austhorpe, on Saturday, March 28. The 16-year-old later died in hospital.

West Yorkshire Police have made seven arrests and three teenagers have been charged with murder. Following Chloe’s death her cousin Shantelle launched a GoFundMe page to ‘ give her the best send off possible.’

More than £22,000 has been donated and Shantelle has now issued an update thanking people. She wrote: “We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has kindly donated money to help us give Chloe the send-off she truly deserves.

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“Your generosity, kindness, and support during this incredibly difficult time means more to us than words can express. It has brought great comfort to our whole family to see how many people cared about Chloe and wanted to help us honour her memory.“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing by us and helping us give Chloe a beautiful farewell. With love and gratitude,The whole family.”

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- have been charged with murder. They appeared at Leeds Crown Court today. A trial date of November 10 was set.