Woman arrested over death of teenager Leonne Weeks in Rotherham released on bail

Floral tributes have been left after the body of teenageer Leonne Weeks was found on a pathway near Rotherham. Picture: Ross Parry Agency

The 26-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and she was held in police custody yesterday.

The 16-year-old victim, who was found by members of the public on a pathway just off Lordens Hill in the Dinnington area of Rotherham, has been named as Leonne Jade Weeks.

An 18-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in police custody.

Police confirmed they were treating her death as suspicious and a post-mortem examination has now concluded that she died as a result of multiple stab wounds.

An 18-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in custody.

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Martin Tate, the senior investigating officer in the case, said: “Leonne’s family have had their entire lives turned upside down over the last couple of days and are utterly devastated.

“We are continuing to support Leonne’s family in any way that we can and have specially trained officers with them.

“I’d like to ask that their privacy is respected by the media as they try to come to terms with this information. I am grateful for the support we have received so far with the investigation and would continue to urge anyone within the local community who knows anything to come forward.”

A statement from Leonne’s family said: “We are devastated at the loss of our beautiful daughter and sister Leonne.

“She was very much loved and will be missed by all of us. We would ask that our privacy is respected at this difficult time and that we are allowed to grieve in private.”

A number of Leonne’s family and friends have posted tributes on social media to the young girl. Her uncle, Danny Bowskill, has added his own description of his niece, who he said was “loved by many”.

He said: “Never thought I would ever be writing this but Leonne Weeks you was and still are loved by so many.

“I’ll be there for your dad and mum all the way. Fly high and I hope my mum was there to guide you every step of the way up there.”

The tribute was accompanied by a YouTube video of the cover of the song, Dancing in the Sky’ which he felt captured the loss of his niece.

Mr Bowskill added: “Rest in peace my wonderful niece.”

A JustGiving fundraising page was set up on Tuesday (17 Jan) and has already raised around £2,000 of a £5,000 target for the family.

Police have urged anyone with any information about the incident to call 101.