News
Woman killed in Newton Heath named as Alisha Samuels
— 2 mins read
A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after Alisha Samuels was found fatally injured in the early hours of Thursday.
A woman who died after a suspected stabbing in north Manchester has been named by police as Alisha Samuels, aged 26.
Officers were called to Dorking Avenue in Newton Heath at around 2am on Thursday 15 October after reports of a disturbance. Greater Manchester Police said Ms Samuels was found with serious injuries consistent with a stabbing. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. A 61-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Ms Samuels’ family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. They have asked for privacy.
Detective Inspector Paul Costello, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Firstly, my thoughts go out to the victim’s family, friends, and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. This was an awful and tragic attack, but I would like to reassure the community that we have three people in our custody, and my team are working tirelessly to identify anyone else who may have been involved.”
He added that there would be a significant police presence in the area, with multiple scenes in place while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information, or with mobile phone, CCTV or doorbell footage, can call 0161 856 5464 or use the LiveChat function on the GMP website. Footage can also be uploaded through the Major Incident Public Portal. Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Almost three a week
Every death like this raises a harder question about how safe women in Britain are. The figures offer little comfort.
ONS figures published in February show that 155 women and girls were killed in England and Wales in the year to March 2025. That is almost three every week.
Beyond the most serious crimes, things are getting worse. In the year to March 2026, the share of adults reporting harassment rose from 8.3% to 10.0%, a statistically significant increase. Police-recorded stalking rose by 6%. Recorded rape rose by 4% to 74,727 offences, although the ONS cautions that recorded sexual offences are not a reliable guide to trends. When the ONS last asked, in 2022, 82% of women said they felt unsafe walking alone after dark in a park or open space. For men the figure was 42%.
Last December the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, launched a strategy promising to halve violence against women and girls within a decade. The latest figures mostly cover the period before it began. The next set will show whether it is making any difference.
