Murder suspect is freed as mystery grows over fatal street stabbing of 26-year-old woman while heartbroken friends remember 'beautiful soul'

A murder suspect has been freed as questions mount after the fatal street stabbing of a 26-year-old woman, remembered by friends as a 'beautiful soul'. 

Alisha Samuels was found with fatal stab wounds on Dorking Avenue at about 2am on Thursday. She was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Officers were alerted to a disturbance in the Manchester suburb after 'screaming and shouting' was heard by locals. 

Witnesses also reported seeing a vehicle collide with a police van on nearby Briscoe Lane as a man was subsequently taken out of the car, Manchester Evening News reported. 

Forensic investigators were later pictured examining a damaged car as police cordoned off multiple areas nearby. 

A 25-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of murder but has been released on bail by Greater Manchester Police pending further enquiries. 

The force has said he is now 'no longer being treated as a suspect for murder'. 

It comes as Alisha's heartbroken friends pay tribute to the 26-year-old who they described as 'beautiful inside and out'. 

Her friend, Aimee Quinn, said in a post: '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, no more holidays and all the plans we had to travel the world together. 

Alisha Samuels was found with serious injuries following reports of a disturbance on Dorking Avenue in Newton Heath at around 2am on Thursday 

A 25-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of murder, but has been released on bail by Greater Manchester Police pending further enquiries. He is 'no longer being treated as a suspect' 

'Nothing will ever be the same now you've gone, I am truly broken,' she added, describing Alisha as 'beautiful, funny, loyal, and kind'. 

'You were more of a sister to me than a friend, a good listener and beautiful inside and out.'

Another friend penned: '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.'

'MY ALISHA. My whole entire world you really are the bestest friend I could ever ever ask for,' Carris Mallon said in a touching tribute.

'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.'

A woman laying flowers at the scene, whose daughter attended school with Alisha, described her as having a 'smile that would light up every room'.

'She was beautiful and clever and she and my daughter were so funny together,' Donna added.

Meanwhile, 67-year-old resident Keith Steel told of how he and his wife had been woken by screams in the early hours.  

'It's terrible what's happened,' he said. '26 is no age really.'

Forensic tents were put in place on Staplehurst Road while officers carried out investigations at the site yesterday morning.

One close friend wrote on Facebook: 'MY ALISHA. My whole entire world you really are the bestest friend I could ever ever ask for'

Pictured: Forensic tents on Staplehurst Road as officers carry out enquiries at the site yesterday morning. 

Alisha's family continue to ask for privacy as they come to terms with their devastating loss.  

The force also called for members of the public 'not to speculate' about the circumstances of her death while their investigation is ongoing.

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.

'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.'

A man, 61, and a woman, 38, were also arrested on Thursday on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Witnesses or anyone with information or relevant footage have been urged to contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 5464 or via the force's Major Incident Public Portal.

Alternatively, those who wish to anonymously report can do so through the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.