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Indian student murdered in Salford street attack Indian student murdered in Salford street attack
(about 2 hours later)
A 23-year-old student from India has died after he was shot in the head at close range, in what police say was an "unprovoked attack" in a street. A 23-year-old student from India has died after he was shot in the head at close range, in what police say was an "unprovoked attack" in Salford.
Greater Manchester Police said Anuj Bidve was with nine students, all Indians, when they were approached by two men early on Monday in Salford. Greater Manchester Police said Anuj Bidve was with nine students, all Indians, when they were approached by two men early on Monday.
Following a "very short" conversation, one of the men pulled out a handgun and shot the Lancaster University student.Following a "very short" conversation, one of the men pulled out a handgun and shot the Lancaster University student.
The gunman was described as white, in his mid-20s, and of slim build.The gunman was described as white, in his mid-20s, and of slim build.
He was said to be wearing a grey top and his accomplice was described as of heavier build and wearing a black jacket.He was said to be wearing a grey top and his accomplice was described as of heavier build and wearing a black jacket.
The men fled towards Asgard Drive following Monday's shooting. The men fled towards Asgard Drive following the shooting.
Police said the group of male and female students, who had been staying in a nearby hotel for a break over Christmas, had given initial witness statements and were "in a safe place" with police until they returned to their university.Police said the group of male and female students, who had been staying in a nearby hotel for a break over Christmas, had given initial witness statements and were "in a safe place" with police until they returned to their university.
Mr Bidve's parents, who are in India, have been informed of his death. His Facebook profile states his hometown as Pune, in Maharashtra.Mr Bidve's parents, who are in India, have been informed of his death. His Facebook profile states his hometown as Pune, in Maharashtra.
Chief Supt Kevin Mulligan said he did not want to go into details about the conversation the students had had with the gunman. Ch Supt Kevin Mulligan said he did not want to go into details about the conversation the students had had with the gunman.
He said "This appears to be an unprovoked attack and we can't establish a motive at this time.He said "This appears to be an unprovoked attack and we can't establish a motive at this time.
"We are investigating every possible aspect and we are in the early stages of the investigation, but we are not ruling anything out.""We are investigating every possible aspect and we are in the early stages of the investigation, but we are not ruling anything out."
Mr Mulligan said a racial motive was not being ruled out.
The force has increased patrols in the area and officers from Greater Manchester Police's major incident team are working alongside neighbourhood officers investigating the shooting.The force has increased patrols in the area and officers from Greater Manchester Police's major incident team are working alongside neighbourhood officers investigating the shooting.
'Be courageous'
Mr Mulligan extended "deepest sympathies" to Mr Bidve's family and friends.Mr Mulligan extended "deepest sympathies" to Mr Bidve's family and friends.
"I believe the answers to who did this will lie in our community," he said."I believe the answers to who did this will lie in our community," he said.
"Someone will know who was responsible and I want to implore those people to be courageous."Someone will know who was responsible and I want to implore those people to be courageous.
"Please, if you know something, then do what is right and come forward - anonymously if necessary."Please, if you know something, then do what is right and come forward - anonymously if necessary.
"If it was your brother, son, husband or friend who was killed while visiting another city, you would want justice, so please help us do the same.""If it was your brother, son, husband or friend who was killed while visiting another city, you would want justice, so please help us do the same."
Friends have left tributes on Mr Bidve's Facebook page, including "i cant believe this has happened man........ i remember the discussion we had about our future plans just a few days back...... :'( I hope and pray God gives your family and friends courage to handle this loss...... You will be missed," one said.
Another tribute said: "cnt believe that someone so full of life had his life ruthlessly taken away from him for no mistake of his own...rest in peace. u will be missed . may god give ur family the strength to face this .... hope justice sees light soon."
Earlier Lancaster University had confirmed that the victim was a postgraduate student who had been studying micro-electronics.Earlier Lancaster University had confirmed that the victim was a postgraduate student who had been studying micro-electronics.
"Our thoughts are with his family at this time, and counselling and support has been organised for his fellow students who are deeply upset," it said."Our thoughts are with his family at this time, and counselling and support has been organised for his fellow students who are deeply upset," it said.
Witnesses or anyone with information about the killing should contact police or Crimestoppers. Witnesses or anyone with information about the killing have been asked to contact police or Crimestoppers.