The family of a 24-year-old woman from Ashton missing for two months has issued a heartfelt plea as an investigation into her disappearance continues. 

Alisha Apostoloff-Boyarin is believed to have travelled to County Durham and back to Ashton in January. 

Greater Manchester Police launched a murder investigation earlier this month. A 59-year-old man from Willington, County Durham, was arrested on suspicion of her murder and a 50-year-old man from Ashton was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, in relation to her murder. 

Detectives established that although Alisha is still missing, evidence suggested she has come to serious harm. 

In a statement issued by GMP, Alisha's family have said they know in their hearts that she is no longer alive and "cannot begin to describe the pain and anguish we feel at the moment". 

They said: "Alisha has not been seen for several weeks. She has made no contact with any of her family which is unheard of. 

"Alisha lived with her great grandad who she adored and would never be away from home for this long. 

"We know in our hearts that someone has prevented Alisha from coming home to us and that she is no longer alive. 

"Alisha's world revolved around her family. She was a shy girl and didn't socialise very much. She was only comfortable when she was at home. 

"Not knowing where Alisha is, or what has happened to her, is torment and we cannot begin to describe the pain and anguish we feel at the moment. 

"We just want Alisha home so we can lay her to rest and have some closure.

"We ask that anyone who has information as to where Alisha may be, or who is responsible for what has happened to her, please contact the police."

Chief Superintendent Danny Inglis, of GMP's Major Incident Team, is appealing for the public's help to find Alisha. 

He said: "GMP's main aim is to find Alisha and bring whoever is responsible for her disappearance to justice and we need your help in doing this. 

"Alisha is believed to have travelled from Ashton to County Durham and back again in January, so we have quite a large area to cover where Alisha may have been spotted by members of the public. 

"I'd like to take this opportunity to urge people both in the Manchester and Durham areas to think if they could have seen Alisha since January, or anyone who may have CCTV or dash cam footage showing Alisha. 

"She regularly wears a long parka style jacket with a hood and may have been wearing this when she went missing. 

"If you have the slightest piece of information, please do let us know as soon as possible as you may hold the answer to where Alisha could be." 

Anyone with information, CCTV or dash cam footage can submit it on GMP's online portal here: https://crowd.in/axttel

You can also call GMP's Major Incident team on 0161 856 6777, or use the LiveChat service at https://crowd.in/BEdD2c. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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