BY RYAN SMITH ‘A new breed of terrorist is coming through the ranks and that is very worrying’
Teens held over journalist’s murder as officer appeals to witnesses
POLICE investigating the murder of journalist Lyra Mckee admitted yesterday they are dealing with a “new breed of terrorists”.
The 29-year-old was gunned down in the Creggan area of Derry on Thursday night and her death has sparked worldwide condemnation.
Two teenagers were arrested and the PSNI suspect them of being members of the New IRA.
The dissident republican group, thought to have “upwards of 50 members” in the city, has been linked to Lyra’s death.
Speaking yesterday, Det Supt Jason Murphy said: “What we are seeing is a new breed of terrorist coming through the ranks and that for me is a very worrying situation.
“This morning we arrested two young men aged 18 and 19. I believe both of those are members of the New IRA, I believe both were involved in the attack on Lyra.
“Clearly my consideration is whether those two individuals acted in isolation or in collusion with other individuals and I am keen for the community to come forward and help me answer that question.
“I’ve come from a very difficult meeting this morning with Lyra Mckee’s family. As you’ll understand, they’re absolutely devastated. Lyra’s family have a lot of questions and today I was able to answer some of them. But I need more help from the community to enable me to answer more of their questions and to bring Lyra’s killers to justice. “Shortly before 11pm on Thursday night, Lyra was murdered by terrorists. I believe those responsible are the New IRA. “Lyra was killed by shots that were fired indiscriminately in Fanad Drive. The brutal nature of that attack has sent shockwaves around the world. “The shots were fired in a residential area at a time when there were large numbers of people including children standing by. The gunman showed no thought for who may have been killed or injured when he fired those shots.” Det Supt Murphy added those responsible “continue to hide in the shadows”. He said: “There is a real sense that what happened to Lyra marked a sea change and I want people to have confidence to
CONCERN OVER DISSIDENT THREAT
come forward to help us. It is really important those who killed Lyra in this cowardly attack should never be allowed to do this again.
“The individuals responsible for Lyra’s murder continue to hide in the shadows.
“They attempt to justify their actions to each other. They have shown no courage to offer any explanation directly to Lyra’s family. Meanwhile, the community continue to work together with Alan [Hutton] and his local policing team to bring lasting and positive change for the community of the Creggan. This should be Lyra’s legacy.
“Lyra’s murder was not just an attack on Lyra, it was an attack on the fabric of this community. Lyra’s killers have succeeded in only one thing and that is uniting the community in condemnation.” Det Supt Murphy added support from the community in Derry had been “unprecedented” thus far. He said: “I would ask those individuals to please come and speak to my detectives with regards to the events on Thursday night and allow us to examine the footage on their mobile phones. “We have already received unprecedented support from the local community and I would like to thank them for helping us to seek justice on Lyra’s behalf. “I know there will be some people who know what happened but will be frightened to come forward. I want to reassure you that we will work with you sensitively.” Meanwhile, ex-us President Bill Clinton offered his condolences. The 72-year-old, who was
We cannot let go of the last 21 years of hard-won peace and progress
BILL CLINTON TWITTER YESTERDAY
heavily involved in the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, said: “We cannot let go of the last 21 years.”
He tweeted: “Heartbroken by the murder of Lyra Mckee and the violence in Derry.
“The challenges in NI today are real – but we cannot let go of the last 21 years of hard-won peace and progress. This tragedy is a reminder of how much everyone has to lose if we do.”
A book of condolence was opened in Derry’s Guildhall. Northern Ireland Secretary of State Karen Bradley was among the first to sign it yesterday, writing: “A tragic loss, such promise, such energy, so much potential. We can only imagine what you would have achieved.”
A floral tribute at the scene left by Lyra’s partner Sara read: “My beautiful Lyra, our time together was too short and your light was snuffed out too soon. I love you forever, your Sara xxx.” news@irishmirror.ie