“HOW AM I GOING TO LIVE WITHOUT YOU?” — HEARTBROKEN FRIENDS PAY TRIBUTE TO ALISHA SAMUELS, 26, AS MANCHESTER INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

Described as a “beautiful soul” with a smile that could light up any room, Alisha Samuels is being remembered by friends whose lives have been left shattered by her death. Meanwhile, detectives are continuing their investigation after a man arrested on suspicion of murder was released on bail.

The heartbreaking loss of 26-year-old Alisha Samuels has left her friends and loved ones struggling to accept a future without the woman they described as kind, funny and unforgettable.

Alisha was found with fatal injuries on Dorking Avenue in Newton Heath, Manchester, during the early hours of Thursday, October 15, 2026. Emergency services were called to reports of a disturbance at around 2 a.m., but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

As police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death, friends have taken to social media to share emotional tributes, photographs and memories of the young woman who meant so much to them.

Their words paint a picture of someone who brought laughter, comfort and happiness into the lives of those around her.

“YOU WERE MORE LIKE A SISTER THAN A FRIEND”

Among the most moving tributes came from Alisha’s close friend Aimee Quinn, who described the unbearable thought of never again speaking to her best friend every day.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Aimee remembered their private jokes, the laughter they shared and the holidays and adventures they had planned for the future.

She described Alisha as more than a friend — someone who had become like a sister, a trusted listener and a person whose presence made life brighter.

The pain in her message reflected the depth of a friendship built through everyday conversations and shared experiences.

Another friend remembered Alisha as one of the kindest and funniest people she had ever met, expressing gratitude for having known her.

For those closest to Alisha, the loss means more than saying goodbye. It means facing ordinary days without the person they expected to call, laugh with and make new memories alongside.

“SHE HAD A SMILE THAT WOULD LIGHT UP EVERY ROOM”

The tributes have extended beyond Alisha’s immediate circle of friends.

Donna, a local woman whose daughter attended school with Alisha, recalled happy memories of the two girls spending time together at her home.

She remembered Alisha as beautiful and clever, describing her smile as something that could light up every room.

Flowers were laid near the scene as members of the community expressed their condolences.

Resident Keith Steel, 67, also spoke about the distress of the incident, saying his wife had been woken by shouting during the early hours.

The memories shared by those who knew Alisha reveal how deeply she was valued — not simply as a name in a police investigation, but as a young woman who formed lasting connections with the people around her.

WHAT HAPPENED IN NEWTON HEATH?

Greater Manchester Police were called to Dorking Avenue at around 2 a.m. on October 15 following reports of a disturbance.

Alisha was discovered with fatal injuries. Investigators subsequently examined the area and gathered evidence as part of their enquiries.

Reports also described a vehicle colliding with a police van during the incident, although detectives have urged the public not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding Alisha’s death.

A 25-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of murder. He was later released on police bail pending further enquiries and is no longer being treated as a murder suspect, according to reports.

A 61-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman were also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Police have stressed that the investigation remains active. The release of the first man does not mean the case is closed, and detectives are continuing to pursue other people they believe may have been involved.

No one should be presumed responsible unless established through the investigation and appropriate legal proceedings.

POLICE MAKE AN URGENT APPEAL

Detective Chief Inspector Justin Bryant, the senior investigating officer, has appealed to anyone with information to contact police.

He said detectives were continuing to pursue those responsible and were seeking individuals believed to have been involved in the incident.

The officer also warned that speculation and misinformation could hinder the investigation and cause further distress to Alisha’s family.

Anyone who witnessed events in the area, or who may have relevant CCTV, doorbell footage or other information, is being urged to come forward.

Alisha’s family have requested privacy as they navigate what police described as the devastating loss of their loved one.

A FRIENDSHIP THAT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

For Alisha’s friends, the most painful part of the loss may be the future that will never unfold as they imagined.

There will be no more spontaneous conversations, shared holidays or new adventures with the friend they expected to have by their side.

Aimee’s emotional question about how she would live without speaking to Alisha every day captures the heartbreak felt by those who knew her best.

Yet through their tributes, they are also preserving the memories that made Alisha special — her humour, her kindness, her laughter and the warmth she brought into their lives.

As the police investigation continues, her loved ones are left grieving while hoping that the outstanding questions surrounding her death can be answered.

Alisha Samuels was just 26 years old. Her friends’ words ensure that, amid the ongoing investigation, the person they loved remains at the heart of her story.

🤍 Our thoughts are with Alisha’s family and friends during this devastating time.