A 23-year-old student from India has died after he was shot at close range in a Salford street in an "unprovoked attack".
Police said the man was with nine male and female students, all Indians, when they were approached by two men in the early hours.
Following a "very short" conversation one of the men pulled out a handgun and shot the student in the head.
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.
The men fled towards Asgard Drive.
Greater Manchester Police said the group who were staying in a nearby hotel, for a break in Manchester over Christmas, have given initial witness statements and are "in a safe place" with police until they return to their university.
The victim's parents, who are in India, have been informed of his death.
Chief Supt Kevin Mulligan, said he "didn't want to go into details" about the conversation the students had with the gunman.
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."
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.
Chief Supt Mulligan extended "deepest sympathies" to the victim's family and friends.
'Be courageous'
"I believe the answers to who did this will lie in our community," he continued.
"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.
"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."
Witnesses or anyone with information about the killing should contact police or Crimestoppers.
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