Gun shots were fired in broad daylight in the middle of Rusholme.
A section of Wilmslow Road was sealed off after a firearm was discharged at around 2pm on Friday.
The shooting happened in the heart of Rusholme, known to many as the Curry Mile, outside a restaurant and solicitors firm.
Read more: Rusholme Crips gangster's lies caught out after he's found in backstreets with loaded gun
Businesses in the vicinity were forced to close while detectives and forensics tried to piece together what happened.
The shooting happened outside Toro's Steakhouse and Ashwood Solicitors, near the junction of Moss Side Lane East.
It's understood that both premises were caught in the crossfire, and had no involvement with the offenders.
Police say that no one was injured in the incident and that no arrests have been made.
A bullet casing was found in the middle of Wilmslow Road, but for many hours there was no sign of a bullet.
Officers from a police Tactical Aid Unit (TAU) carried out a line search and dredged drains to find clues.
They also searched the balcony of Ashwood Solicitors and examined the surrounding signage of nearby businesses.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact GMP.
Detective Inspector Andrew Worthington said: "We appreciate this is shocking to hear for the local community and for passers-by in a particularly busy area of the city.
"We would like to reassure people that we will be remaining on the scene as our enquiries continue.
"If you have seen anything that may assist us with our investigation, please do get in touch by reporting it on our Live Chat at www.gmp.police.uk or by calling 0161 856 4409."
Witnesses can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
