Armed police surrounded a house on a quiet east Manchester street on Sunday afternoon as part of the murder investigation into the death of Alisha Samuels in Newton Heath.
Locals said more than a dozen officers, several of whom were carrying guns, arrived outside the property on Purslow Close, in Beswick, close to the Etihad Stadium, at around 3pm on Sunday (October 18). Police reportedly told nearby residents to get back inside as they entered the property.
Officers have remained at the scene since. A cordon was still in place on Monday morning, with an area of pavement outside the back fence of the property taped off and officers standing guard there, as well as at the front door.
Police response and investigation
The Manchester Evening News understands armed police responded in relation to the force's investigation into the death of Ms Samuels, and the initial call related to a suspected burglary. No arrests were made, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed.
A murder investigation is underway after she was fatally stabbed on Dorking Avenue in Newton Heath in the early hours of Thursday (October 15). Officers were called to reports of a disturbance at around 2am and discovered her with serious injuries, from which she later died.
Police said on Friday that a man initially arrested on suspicion of her murder was no longer being treated as a suspect for murder and had been released on bail pending further inquiries into other matters.
Arrest and ongoing inquiry
In an update on Monday (October 19), GMP said a 26-year-old man had since been arrested on suspicion of her murder in the Merseyside area and was in custody for questioning. However, detectives say their investigation is not over and that a number of teams were dedicated to locating those they believe were involved.
Several neighbours said specialist crime scene investigation (CSI) officers were spotted working at the same house on Purslow Close about a month ago, with a forensic tent erected outside. It is unclear what that related to and if there is any link with the current incident.
Residents describe the scene
One nearby resident, who did not want to be named, told the M.E.N at the scene on Monday: "I was in my kitchen when I saw a black, unmarked police vehicle pull up and armed police get out. They had big guns and a couple of chainsaws.
"I heard a bang, which initially drew my attention. I think they went in through the back. There was no noise afterwards. But I did hear the police say, 'We have got voices.'
"It was quite scary. They had massive guns and completely surrounded the house. There must have been about 15 of them. It was just quite intimidating and a bit shocking."
Another neighbour said: "I saw about eight officers, about six of them armed. I came outside, but the police told me to get back inside as it wasn't safe. It's a bit scary because I have kids."
A man who lives nearby said: "I was watching the match and there were about 25 officers, some with guns and all that. They were all down the guinnel and around the back.
"They have been here since. I have not had any sleep. It frightened me to death. We wanted to know what was going on, but they wouldn't tell us anything. It's not very nice, especially on a Sunday afternoon."
Appeal for information
A number of floral tributes have been left near the scene of the fatal stabbing with friends paying tribute.
In a statement about the murder investigation, issued earlier on Monday, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Justin Bryant, said: "We are still seeking information for Alisha's heartbreaking death, and a number of our teams are dedicated to locate those we believe were involved.
"We have another man in custody, but our investigation is not over. We are working tirelessly to establish the full circumstances of this attack, and to provide Alisha's family with some answers.
"My thoughts remain with them as they navigate this tremendous loss. I'd like to thank those that have contacted us and supported our investigation thus far, your reports are always taken seriously and prove vital to our work.
"I urge others who may have information, no matter how small, to please come forward."
