Confirmed: the dissident gun that killed Lyra
POLICE in Londonderry have said the “net is tightening” around a killer after they identified the gun used in the murder of journalist Lyra Mckee.
The gun was recovered by police during searches in the Ballymagroarty area of the city last Friday and Saturday.
Following forensic testing police confirmed that the gun, a German Hammerli X-esse pistol, was the same one used in the killing of Ms Mckee during rioting in the Creggan area on April 18, 2019.
Dissident republican group the New IRA admitted responsibility for her murder.
Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy, who is leading the investigation into Ms Mckee’s murder, said one line of inquiry was that the gun had been stolen “some time ago”.
“I also know that that gun was used a number of times prior to Lyra’s murder, but at this stage because those matters remain under investigation I cannot confirm any further details,” he said.
Detective Superintendent Murphy said that “a number of New IRA figures were involved in producing the gun that night”.
“I know who they are and the public know who they are and also I know who the gunman is,” he said.
Detective Superintendent Murphy said further forensic testing was planned on the gun.
Lyra’s partner Sara Canning and her family were informed about the identification of the gun yesterday.
Detective Superintendent Murphy said they were “grateful and relieved” to hear the news.
“For the New IRA the net is tightening, one positive result will have significant consequences for the New IRA,” Detective Superintendent Murphy said.
“If you know anything about the gun now is the time to talk to us.”
Londonderry man Paul Mcintyre (52), who is currently in custody in Maghaberry Prison, is charged with murdering Ms Mckee. He denies the charges.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood yesterday welcomed progress in the police investigation.
The Foyle MP said: “The recovery of the gun used in the murder is significant and I hope that it will lead to further developments.
“Those responsible for taking the life of a young journalist in Derry need to understand that there was nothing patriotic about it.
“There is no honour to be found in the murder of someone with so much to contribute to our city and our island.
“They have set themselves against the people of Derry and the people of Ireland.
“They must face justice. “I am renewing my appeal to the people of our city.
“If you have any information about Lyra’s murder, no matter how small, and you haven’t come forward yet, now is the moment.
“We all have a part to play in ending the grip of violent men on our communities.”
Last night Lyra’s sister Nichola Corner spoke of her feelings at seeing the murder weapon.
“Seeing it for the first time it’s a terrible shock to know that that is the weapon that killed your sister,” she told UTV.
“It’s a shock to see what was used to take her out of this world, to end her life, to steal her from all of us. There used to be a phrase that ‘if you find the weapon, you find the man responsible for firing that weapon’, and I’m hoping that this piece of the jigsaw — this weapon — will lead to that person.”
Lyra’s partner, Sara Canning, told Sky News: “A lot of the news we have got over the past 15 months has been bitter-sweet.
“This should never have happened, no one should ever have had to look for a gun. No one should ever have been in danger that night.
“But the fact that we have it now and it’s off the streets, means there’s one less danger. That’s huge. It’s another step on the path to getting justice.”