Detectives are hunting 'outstanding' suspects in connection with the murder of Alisha Samuels in Manchester, as a 25-year-old man has been released on bail.
Greater Manchester Police said others are 'believed to have been involved' in the incident that led to her death in Newton Heath. The 25-year-old man is no longer being treated as a suspect for murder and has been released on police bail 'pending further enquiries into other matters'.
Two others held on suspicion of assisting an offender
A man aged 61 and a woman of 38 were also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, but their current status has not been confirmed.
Ms Samuels was pronounced dead at the scene after police were called to a reported disturbance on Dorking Avenue in Newton Heath at around 2am on Thursday. She suffered stab wounds.
Murder investigation continues with cordons in place
A murder investigation was continuing on Saturday, with a number of police cordons in place. Flowers were left at the scene on Friday, at the edge of the cordon on the junction between Staplehurst Road and Ten Acres Lane.
Tributes are also being paid on Facebook to 'a beautiful soul'. "What a beautiful soul she really was," read one. "Such a beautiful soul," added another. Another tribute said Alisha 'lit up every room'.
Police appeal for information
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."
In a statement, police said: "A 25-year-old man is no longer being treated as a suspect for murder and has been released on police bail pending further enquiries into other matters. Detectives continue to appeal for information following the fatal stabbing of 26-year-old Alisha Samuels on Dorking Avenue, Manchester. Alisha's family continue to ask for privacy as they come to terms with their devastating loss."
Det Chief Insp Bryant added: "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."
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has mobile phone, CCTV, or doorbell footage, is urged to call police on 0161 856 5464 or contact via the Major Incident Public Portal.
