Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Gun found same as one used to kill Lyra
Weapon found during two-day PSNI search
A HANDGUN of the same type that was used to kill journalist Lyra Mckee has been found by police.
It was discovered during a two-day search operation across a 38-acre area of land in Ballymagroarty, Co Derry.
Chief Superintendent Emma Bond said police cannot confirm at this stage if it is the weapon used to kill Lyra.
The 29-year-old was shot while observing rioting in the Creggan area of Derry last April.
Her killing sparked widespread condemnation across the world.
Chief Supt Bond said: “The weapon found appears to be of the same type and calibre as the gun we believe was used to murder Lyra Mckee, however, at this time we are not in a position to say whether this is the murder weapon.
“The gun will be subject to extensive forensic testing in the coming days and weeks to determine if there is a link between this firearm and Lyra’s murder.”
The search operation was designed to find weapons being stored by violent dissident republicans.
The haul by police also included a command wire-initiated bomb and a quantity of ammunition.
Chief Supt Bond said: “A strong line of inquiry is that these munitions belong to the New IRA.
“They have now been seized and will be subject to rigorous forensic examination in the coming days and weeks. These people are so singularly focused on murdering police officers that they do not care if others – men, women, children, families – are caught up in their evil plots.
“The community is simply collateral damage. Violent dissident Republicans are immersed in a constant campaign to kill police.
“This is the reality we live with every day, and yet every day police officers come into work, they go out into communities like Ballymagroarty and they work to build relationships and tackle the issues that matter to local people.
“Support and information from the local community is vital to fighting the scourge of terrorism.
“Anything you know, or anything you have seen, share that information with us and help us put these criminals out of business.
“You can call us on 101, 999 in an emergency or information can be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”