WE KILLED LYRA
New IRA confession over journalist’s fatal shooting
THE New IRA yesterday admitted responsibility for the murder of journalist Lyra McKee, as police arrested a woman over the killing.
The 29-year-old was shot during a riot in Derry last Thursday. Yesterday, the dissident republican group offered “full and sincere apologies” to her family.
It came as the Police Service of Northern Ireland arrested a woman, 57. under the Terrorism Act. She was, however, later “released unconditionally”.
The New IRA sent a statement about the killing in Creggan, on the outskirts McKee of Derry, to Belfast-based paper The Irish News, using a recognised code word.
It read: “Following an incursion on the Creggan by heavily armed British crown forces which provoked rioting, the IRA deployed our volunteers to engage.
“In the course of attacking the enemy, Lyra McKee was tragically killed. The IRA offer our full and sincere apologies to the partner, family and friends of Lyra.
“We have instructed our volunteers to take the utmost care in future when engaging the enemy.”
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood branded the statement “utterly sickening and devoid of any humanity”.
The New IRA, which opposes the peace process, also claimed responsibility for parcel bombs sent to addresses in London and Glasgow in March.
Police said their inquiry is continuing at a “rapid pace”. Two men, aged 18 and 19, initially arrested over Lyra’s killing were later released without charge.
Lyra leaves behind her partner, Sara Canning. The journalist’s funeral is set to take place in her native Belfast today.