A woman stabbed to death in Manchester has been remembered by her best friend as a "precious soul" in a heartfelt tribute. Alisha Samuels, 26, died after an incident on Dorking Avenue in the Newton Heath area of Greater Manchester.
Arrests and investigation
Police were called to the scene at around 2am on Thursday, October 15. A murder investigation was launched following Alisha's death, and three people were initially arrested that day. On Monday, October 19, a 26-year-old man from Merseyside was arrested on suspicion of murder.
The arrest follows local reports of armed police at Galsworthy Avenue, near the junction of Harris Drive in Bootle, just before 10pm on Sunday night. A police car and mobile police station remained at the scene as of 9am on Monday morning. A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokesperson confirmed to the ECHO that this scene was connected to the latest update in the investigation.
Tribute and fundraising
A GoFundMe crowdfunding page has been set up by Alisha's friend Carris Mallon to support her parents. Ms Mallon wrote: "I am Alisha's best friend, she was taken far too soon in such a horrific way. The world was too evil for her, she was the most precious soul in the whole entire world, not a person she met who could say anything bad."
She added: "In this sad time, her parents have lost their baby girl and her mum, their only child. I want to raise money to give to her parents at this sad time, they won't be able to work, and they need every bit of support they can get. Every last inch will go towards Alisha and her family."
Ms Mallon also said: "Please respect their wishes to be left to grieve their beautiful girl. They are thankful for all support. May you rest in perfect paradise angel girl and I hope heaven has gave you the best bed my precious special girl." More than £14,000 of the page's £20,000 target had already been raised at the time of writing.
Police appeal
In a statement issued on Monday, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Justin Bryant from GMP 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."
He continued: "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."
DCI Bryant added: "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."
