“YOU WERE MORE LIKE A SISTER THAN A FRIEND” — HEARTBROKEN TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR ALISHA SAMUELS, 26, AFTER FATAL STREET ATTACK

Friends have paid emotional tribute to a young woman described as a “beautiful soul” after she died following a violent incident in Manchester. A man arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on police bail as detectives continue their investigation.

Friends and loved ones are struggling to come to terms with the death of Alisha Samuels, a 26-year-old woman whose life was cut short in a shocking incident in Newton Heath, Manchester.

Alisha was found with fatal stab wounds on Thursday, October 15, 2026, after police were called to Dorking Avenue at around 2 a.m. Reports from local residents described hearing screams and shouting in the street during the early hours.

Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief from friends, neighbours and people who knew her growing up. Those who loved Alisha have remembered her as kind, funny, generous and someone whose smile could brighten a room.

But as tributes continue to appear online, many questions surrounding the circumstances of her death remain unanswered.

“HOW AM I GOING TO LIVE WITHOUT SPEAKING TO YOU EVERY DAY?”

Among the most emotional tributes came from Alisha’s close friend Aimee Quinn, who described the devastating reality of losing someone who had been part of her everyday life.

She recalled their conversations, inside jokes, shared laughter and plans to travel the world together.

“You were more of a sister to me than a friend,” Quinn wrote, remembering Alisha as a good listener who was beautiful inside and out.

Her words captured the pain of losing not only a friend, but someone who had become family.

Other friends shared similar messages, describing Alisha as one of the kindest and funniest people they had ever met. Many spoke of the memories they would hold on to and the difficulty of imagining life without her.

A SMILE THAT PEOPLE WILL REMEMBER

The tributes have also come from people who knew Alisha through the local community.

One woman, identified as Donna, visited the area where flowers were being laid. She said her daughter had attended the same school as Alisha and recalled happy memories of the two girls spending time together.

Donna remembered Alisha as beautiful, clever and funny, adding that she had a smile capable of lighting up a room.

For those who knew her, these memories offer a glimpse of the young woman behind the headlines — someone whose life was woven into friendships, family connections and ordinary moments that have now become precious memories.

WHAT HAPPENED IN NEWTON HEATH?

Police were called to Dorking Avenue at approximately 2 a.m. following reports of a disturbance.

Witnesses reported hearing screaming and shouting. Some also described a vehicle colliding with a police van during the incident.

A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. However, he was subsequently released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Greater Manchester Police have stressed that the investigation remains active and that officers are continuing to pursue other people believed to have been involved.

The circumstances surrounding Alisha’s death have not yet been fully established publicly. Police have urged people not to speculate or circulate misinformation while detectives work to establish what happened.

POLICE APPEAL FOR INFORMATION

Detective Chief Inspector Justin Bryant, the senior investigating officer, said the investigation remained very much active.

He appealed to anyone with information, however small it might seem, to come forward and assist the police.

Investigators are continuing to follow leads as they work to identify and locate those they believe may have been involved.

Alisha’s family has also asked for privacy as they face the devastating loss of their loved one.

A LIFE REMEMBERED THROUGH LOVE

For Alisha’s friends, the pain of her death is inseparable from the memories of the person they knew — the laughter, the conversations, the holidays they hoped to take and the plans they expected to share.

One friend wrote that she would always be grateful to have known Alisha, while another described her as a precious friend who would never be forgotten.

Their messages are reminders that behind every police investigation is a person whose absence is felt deeply by the people who loved them.

As detectives continue their enquiries, Alisha’s friends are holding on to the memories of a young woman they describe as loving, funny and unforgettable.

Rest in peace, Alisha Samuels. May your family and friends find strength in one another as they navigate this heartbreaking loss. 💔