Northern Ireland

Fellow journalists 'stand with Lyra McKee' as 29-year-old is laid to rest

 Journalists have paid tribute to Lyra McKee
 Journalists have paid tribute to Lyra McKee  Journalists have paid tribute to Lyra McKee

MEMBERS of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) formed a guard of honour on the steps of St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast today as the coffin of their murdered colleague Lyra McKee was carried from the church.

The 29-year-old, who was shot as she observed rioting in Derry on April 18, had worked for publications including BuzzFeed News and the Belfast Telegraph and was a committed gay rights activist.

Read more:Lyra McKee's funeral hears priest challenge politicians

As the funeral service got under way, NUJ members across the UK, the Republic and further afield took part in a 'symbolic act of solidarity', standing in silent tribute in their respective workplaces, or marking Ms McKee's work and activism with a round of applause.

At the same time, there were separate vigils in Derry, Glasgow and London with St Bride’s Church on Fleet Street, known as 'the Journalists' Church,' being dedicated as a place of vigil for the whole day.

NUJ official Pav Singh, who attended the London vigil, posted a photo on the union's Facebook page of 29 candles "for the 29 years of light she gave us".

Reporters also shared images on social media using the hashtag #WeStandWithLyra, with posts coming from around the globe.

Books of condolence were also opened at the organisation's London headquarters, and on Tuesday evening in Dublin colleagues remembered Ms McKee "in her own words, with music and song", during a vigil at the entrance to the Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square.