Greater Manchester Police have named the 26-year-old woman stabbed to death in Manchester as Alisha Samuels.
Samuels, 26, was discovered with serious stab wounds on a residential street in Newton Heath around 2am on Thursday, October 15, after officers responded to reports of a disturbance. Paramedics rushed to the scene but were unable to save her, and she was pronounced dead there.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of her murder, the force confirmed. Two additional suspects, a man aged 61 and a woman aged 38, were also taken into custody on suspicion of assisting an offender. All three remained in police custody Thursday as the investigation continued.
Detective Inspector Paul Costello, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, addressed the killing publicly on Thursday. “This was an awful and tragic attack, but I would like to reassure the community that we have three people in our custody, and my team are working tirelessly to identify anyone else who may have been involved,” he said.
Costello continued: “There will be a significant police presence in the area, and multiple scenes are in place whilst our investigations continue. I urge anyone who may be able to help with our enquiries to please come forward.”
The violence shattered the early morning quiet of the neighborhood, according to residents who spoke with reporters. One local woman said she heard “screams” followed by what sounded like a “car crash” in the predawn hours.
Another neighbor told the Manchester Evening News: “I heard shouting and screaming. I went outside and saw all the police. They arrested a man, I couldn’t see what he looked like because it was dark.”
A third resident, who declined to give her name, expressed disbelief that such bloodshed could happen on her street. “Believe it or not, I was telling my friend the other day that this is a quiet area,” she said. “So, this has come as a bit of a shock. I’ve lived here 30 years and the worst thing we’ve had was a shooting a long time ago. Apart from that, it’s usually quiet.”
Forensics officers in white protective suits were photographed searching the area outside a property and examining the interior of a white vehicle.
Police have launched a Major Incident Public Portal and appealed directly to the public for assistance. “At this time, the family have asked for privacy whilst they deal with the devastating loss of their loved one,” an update from the force stated. Detectives are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and have asked anyone with doorbell, phone, or CCTV footage to come forward.
The force issued a direct plea: “Please come forward to support our investigation and bring justice for Alisha.”
Anyone with information can contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 5464 or reach Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.