A man once arrested over the killing of a 26-year-old woman has been released, as police continue to investigate the fatal stabbing of Alisha Samuels, remembered by loved ones as a “beautiful soul”.
Alisha was discovered suffering from stab injuries on Dorking Avenue in Manchester at approximately 2am on Thursday. Emergency services pronounced her dead at the scene.
Police were called to the area after residents reported hearing screaming and shouting during the early-morning disturbance.
Witnesses said a vehicle later struck a police van on nearby Briscoe Lane, where officers reportedly removed a man from the car, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Forensic specialists were subsequently seen inspecting the damaged vehicle while police maintained cordons around several locations in the surrounding area.
Greater Manchester Police arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of murder, but he has since been released on bail while further enquiries continue.
The force confirmed that he is no longer being treated as a murder suspect.
Meanwhile, Alisha’s devastated friends have shared emotional tributes to the 26-year-old, describing her as beautiful both inside and out.
Her friend Aimee Quinn wrote: “How can this be real? I don’t know how I’m supposed to live without speaking to you every day and telling you all my problems.”
She added that she would deeply miss Alisha’s “daft one liners” and infectious laugh, as well as the holidays and plans they had made to travel the world together.
Alisha Samuels was found with serious injuries after reports of a disturbance on Dorking Avenue in Newton Heath at around 2am on Thursday.
A 25-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail by Greater Manchester Police while enquiries continue. Officers say he is no longer being treated as a suspect.
“Nothing will ever be the same now you’re gone. I am truly broken,” Aimee wrote, describing Alisha as beautiful, funny, loyal and kind.
She said Alisha had been “more of a sister than a friend” to her, as well as a compassionate listener who was “beautiful inside and out”.
Another friend wrote that Alisha had stood out from the moment they met, saying: “I knew straight away that you were special.”
“I loved you from the beginning. You were one of the kindest and funniest people I have ever known, and I will always be thankful that our paths crossed.”
Carris Mallon shared her own tribute, writing: “My Alisha, you were my entire world and the best friend I could ever have asked for.”
“You and me forever, you know how it is, my special girl. You were my number one. Everyone knew there was never one without the other.”
She continued: “I adore you and feel so lucky that I had you in my life for so long. Best friends until death do us part. Sisters.”
A woman who left flowers at the scene said her daughter had attended school with Alisha. She remembered Alisha as someone with a smile “that could light up every room”.
‘She was beautiful and clever and she and my daughter were so funny together,’ Donna added.
Meanwhile, 67-year-old resident Keith Steel told of how he and his wife had been woken by screams in the early hours.
‘It’s terrible what’s happened,’ he said. ’26 is no age really.’
Forensic tents were put in place on Staplehurst Road while officers carried out investigations at the site yesterday morning.
One close friend wrote on Facebook: ‘MY ALISHA. My whole entire world you really are the bestest friend I could ever ever ask for’
Pictured: Forensic tents on Staplehurst Road as officers carry out enquiries at the site yesterday morning.
Alisha’s family continue to ask for privacy as they come to terms with their devastating loss.
The force also called for members of the public ‘not to speculate’ about the circumstances of her death while their investigation is ongoing.
Detective Chief Inspector Justin Bryant, the senior investigating officer, said: ‘While a man has been released on police bail as our enquiries continue, our investigation remains very much active.
‘We are relentlessly pursuing those responsible for Alisha’s death and are continuing to seek those outstanding individuals believed to have been involved in this incident.
‘I would urge people not to speculate about the circumstances of Alisha’s death. Speculation and misinformation can hinder our investigation and cause further distress to Alisha’s family at an incredibly difficult time.
‘If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, please come forward and speak to us. The information you provide could be vital in helping us locate those outstanding and secure justice for Alisha.’
A man, 61, and a woman, 38, were also arrested on Thursday on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Witnesses or anyone with information or relevant footage have been urged to contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 5464 or via the force’s Major Incident Public Portal.
Alternatively, those who wish to anonymously report can do so through the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.