Four arrested in Northern Ireland over journalist’s murder

Lyra McKee was shot dead in an attack last year claimed by the New IRA

Belfast journalist Lyra McKee was shot in Derry while reporting on clashes with dissident republican rioters. EPA

Four men have been arrested in Northern Ireland in connection with the murder of journalist Lyra McKee, whose shooting last year was claimed by the New IRA paramilitary group.

The men, aged 20, 27, 29 and 52, have been charged with terrorist offences.

McKee, 29, was killed covering riots on the Creggan housing estate in the city of Derry last April.

Jason Murphy, a senior investigating officer with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, renewed calls for the public to support efforts to find the reporter’s killers.

“I understand that people may be frightened to talk to us. I have previously given my personal assurance relating to anonymity for the purpose of this investigation and I renew this assurance today, as we approach the anniversary of Lyra’s murder,” he said.

“I want the community in Creggan to think about how that horrific attack impacted them personally and how it impacted the entire community.”

Mr Murphy said police believed there could be further mobile phone footage of the night that could be used to piece together exactly what happened.

“We saw widescale revulsion after Lyra was murdered and I remain determined to work with the community and local policing to convert that revulsion into tangible evidence to bring those who murdered Lyra to justice,” Mr Murphy said.

McKee, from Belfast, had written extensively on the conflict in Northern Ireland, known as the Troubles.