Anuj Bidve: Lancaster University's graduation day tribute

Anuj Bidve was studying for a masters degree.

Lancaster University has paid tribute to murdered student Anuj Bidve on what would have been his graduation day.

The 23-year-old, who was studying for a masters degree, was shot dead as he walked to the Manchester sales with friends on Boxing Day last year.

His killer, Kiaran Stapleton, was jailed for life.

At the graduation ceremony, the university's vice chancellor Professor Mark Smith, said: "Anuj will always be part of the Lancaster story".

"This terrible event highlights the vagaries of the world, and indeed life, and how in one moment your life can change," he said.

"We will continue to honour his memory."

Mr Bidve had only been in the country for three months when he was killed.

Memorial scholarship

He had graduated in engineering from the University of Pune in India.

His family said he had chosen England because they thought it would be a safe place to study.

Lancaster University has placed a memorial bench dedicated to Mr Bidve close to his residence in Graduate College.

The Anuj Bidve Memorial Scholarship has also been set up to fund a student graduating from the University of Pune in India to travel to Lancaster University to study engineering.