A woman who was stabbed to death in Manchester after neighbours reported hearing screams and a car crash has been named by police.
Alisha Samuels, 26, was found with serious injuries following reports of a disturbance on Dorking Avenue in Newton Heath at around 2am on Thursday.
Emergency services rushed to the residential street, but despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, while a 61-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman have been detained on suspicion of assisting an offender.
All three remain in police custody as detectives continue their investigation into the fatal attack.
Neighbours described hearing a commotion in the early hours of the morning before a vehicle reportedly attempted to flee the scene and became involved in a crash.
One resident claimed a driver ‘tried to smash into a police van’ on nearby Briscoe Lane, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Alisha Samuels was found with serious injuries following reports of a disturbance on Dorking Avenue in Newton Heath at around 2am on Thursday
Emergency services rushed to the residential street, but despite their efforts, Alisha was pronounced dead at the scene
Forensic investigators were later pictured examining a damaged car as police cordoned off multiple areas around the scene.
Greater Manchester Police have now confirmed the victim’s identity as Alisha Samuels, aged 26, and appealed for anyone with information about her death to come forward.
Her family has requested privacy as they come to terms with the loss of their loved one.
One close friend wrote on Facebook: ‘MY ALISHA. My whole entire world you really are the bestest friend I could ever ever ask for.
‘Me & you forever and a day you know how it is my special special girl. My number 1. There was not one without the other everybody knows that. I adore you and i count my lucky stars I got you all to myself for so long. Best friends til death do us part. SISTERS.’
Detectives are continuing to piece together the circumstances surrounding the stabbing and have urged witnesses, including anyone with CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage, to contact them.
Detective Inspector Paul Costello, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: ‘Firstly, my thoughts go out to the victim’s family, friends, and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. Formal identification has not yet been conducted, but the believed family have been made aware and are being supported by specialist officers.
Three people have been arrested amid police’s murder probe
One close friend wrote on Facebook: ‘MY ALISHA. My whole entire world you really are the bestest friend I could ever ever ask for’
Police have said they were determined to bring those responsible for Alisha’s death to justice
‘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.
‘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.’
Police said they were determined to bring those responsible for Alisha’s death to justice.
In their latest appeal, officers said they were continuing to urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward to support the murder investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the disturbance or has relevant footage is asked to call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 5464 or submit information through the force’s Major Incident Public Portal.
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
