Two more men are charged over the 'murder' of woman, 26, who was knifed to death in the street

Two more men have been charged in connection with the death of Alisha Samuels earlier this month.

The 26-year-old was found with stab wounds on Dorking Avenue in Manchester at around 2am on October 15, where she was pronounced dead.

Earlier on Thursday, Greater Manchester Police announced three suspects were arrested and were in police custody for questioning.

It has since been reported that Carl Hardy, 19, of Shaldon Drive, Manchester, has been charged with murder and attempted murder, as has Tony Evans, 19, of Dorking Avenue, Manchester.

The pair have been remanded in custody and are set to appear at Manchester City Magistrates' Court today.

A 48-year-old woman was the third person arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, however has not been charged.

Earlier this week, Lawrence Johnson, 26, of Manchester, was charged with the murder of Ms Samuels as well as the attempted murder of another man. 

He was remanded in custody and was due to appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. 

Officers were first alerted to a disturbance in the area after 'screaming and shouting' was heard by locals, with Greater Manchester Police's Major Incident Team since launching an investigation into Ms Samuels's death.

They were being supported by firearms officers from Specialist Operations and officers from the Force Critical Wanted Unit.

Detective Chief Inspector Justin Bryant reportedly said: 'My thoughts remain with Alisha's family and friends as they continue to come to terms with this devastating loss.

'I would also like to thank everyone who has supported our investigation so far. The information we have received from the public has been invaluable.

'I continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak to us.'  

Detective Chief Inspector Bryant earlier spoke of the investigation team working 'tirelessly' after the tragic death of Alisha Samuels.

'We remain focused on establishing the full circumstances surrounding the events of October 15 and want to reassure Alisha's loved ones that we are committed to securing justice for her,' he said.

Tributes have been paid to Ms Samuels by friends, describing her as a 'beautiful soul' and '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.'

Another posted: '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.'

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

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