Three Teens Bailed Over Salford Shooting

30 December 2011, 15:21 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Detectives say they're still questioning a man and another teenager on suspicion of the murder of Anuj Bidve.

The 23 year old was shot in the head near his hotel in Salford as he walked with a group of friends.

The murder of the Indian student is being treated by detectives at Greater Manchester Police as a hate crime which may have been racially motivated.

Police have also released a statement saying they regret Mr Bidvey's family found out about his death on Facebook

Assistant Chief Constable Dawn Copley, said: "Firstly I want to personally extend my sympathies to all of Anuj's family. This is a despicable and senseless murder that has shocked everyone and the Bidve family are going through something no family should ever have to endure.

"I want to reassure the family that staff across the whole of Greater Manchester Police are working on this investigation night and day to bring those responsible for Anuj's murder to justice.

"We know that Mr Bidve has spoken to the media about finding out on a social networking site that Anuj had been murdered. Sadly, that was the case. That is not the way anyone should have to find out something so devastating and we completely understand how upset the family are.

"A Family Liaison Officer was quickly put in place after Anuj's murder who made exhaustive inquiries to try and inform the family and deliver the awful news personally. Unfortunately, as the officer was attempting to contact the family through the right channels, a post was put on Facebook. Social networking is instantaneous and we have no control over when and what people post on such sites, but no-one should hear such tragic news in this way.

"Since then, we have had two Family Liaison Officers in regular contact with Anuj's immediate family and those who speak on his behalf to keep them updated about every step of the progress of the investigation. Greater Manchester Police is also working very hard to bring the family over to Manchester as soon as possible. For reasons beyond the family's control, it is unlikely they will be able to do so until early next week so the Force is putting plans in place to send officers to India to offer support.

"We also know Mr Bidve has spoken about the urgency of having his son's body released. We understand how important this is for the family and we are working closely with the coroner to ensure the family can bring Anuj’s body home as soon as possible. The body cannot be released at this stage of the investigation but we are doing everything we can to respect the family's wish."