Friends and loved ones have paid tribute to Alisha Samuels, 26, who died after being found with fatal stab wounds on a Manchester street. Police have confirmed that a man they arrested is no longer being treated as a murder suspect.
Emergency services were called to Dorking Avenue in Newton Heath at around 2am on Thursday after neighbours reported hearing "screaming and shouting" outside. Witnesses said they saw a car crash into a police van, with a man hauled out of the vehicle.
Arrest and release
A 25-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of murder but was released on bail yesterday, with police saying he is no longer being treated as a suspect. The circumstances of Alisha's death remain unclear as officers appealed to the public for help in tracking down anyone else who may know what happened.
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.
Friends' tributes
Devastated friends have shared tributes to the 26-year-old online. Aimee Quinn wrote on Facebook: "How is this real life? How am I going to live without speaking to you every day with all of my problems? I can't believe I'm never going to hear your daft one liners or belly laugh with you again, nor more holidays and all the plans we had to travel the world together.
"You were more of a sister to me than a friend, a good listener and beautiful inside and out. I love you forever and a day my gorgeous girl."
Another friend wrote: "Oh Alisha, from the minute I met you, I knew you were special. I loved you from the start. You were one of the kindest, funniest people I've ever met and I'll always be grateful I got to know you." Friend Carris Mallon wrote: "My precious girl, I don't know what I'm ever going to do without you. I adore you and I count my lucky stars I got you all to myself for so long. Best friends till death do us part."
Police appeal
Bryant urged the public not to speculate about the circumstances of Alisha's death, saying: "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." The force said her family had requested privacy while dealing with the "devastating loss of their loved one."
