Northern Ireland

Lyra McKee's family leave emotional messages at murder scene

Journalist, Lyra McKee's mother and family have left poignant messages at the scene of her murder. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Journalist, Lyra McKee's mother and family have left poignant messages at the scene of her murder. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Journalist, Lyra McKee's mother and family have left poignant messages at the scene of her murder. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

THE heartbroken mother of murdered journalist Lyra McKee has left an emotional message to her "baby daughter" at the spot where she was shot and fatally wounded.

Joan McKee and her family left floral tributes at Fanad Drive in the Creggan two weeks after the 29-year-old was killed. The writer, who was from Belfast but was living in Derry, was shot in the head by the New IRA who fired indiscriminately towards police Land Rovers during rioting.

The murder sparked a furious backlash with dissident republican political group Saoradh becoming the focus of public anger. Friends of the murdered woman staged a protest at Junior McDaid House, the party's headquarters, daubing red handprints on the walls. The party’s Twitter account was also suspended.

Journalist Lyra McKee was shot dead in Derry.
Journalist Lyra McKee was shot dead in Derry. Journalist Lyra McKee was shot dead in Derry.

In an emotional message left on flowers at the scene where she died, Ms McKee’s family said: “Our dear baby sister Lyra. Our hearts are broken as your sweet life was stolen.

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“You will forever dwell in our souls. Sweet heart. We love you and will miss you until we meet again.”

The card, accompanied by yellow roses, was signed by Nichola, Gary, Mark, Joan, Mary David, John, Kevin, Susan and Nicola.

Journalist, Lyra McKee's mother and family have left poignant messages at the scene of her murder. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Journalist, Lyra McKee's mother and family have left poignant messages at the scene of her murder. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Journalist, Lyra McKee's mother and family have left poignant messages at the scene of her murder. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

A separate tribute penned by Joan McKee, read simply: “To my darling baby daughter, Lyra. Will miss you forever. All my love, mum, xxx.”

A steady stream of sympathisers from throughout Ireland have visited the spot since the murder, leaving flowers, gifts and messages of support for her family, friends and partner Sara Canning.

The family’s visit came after pro-IRA graffiti and messages around Creggan warning people against cooperating with police was replaced with inspirational messages. The move came after talks between Creggan Neighbourhood Partnership and dissident republican group Saoradh.

Two bunches of flowers and cards left by the family of Lyra McKee who visited the scene of the journalists murder in the Creggan Estate of Derry city. Picture Margaret McLaughlin 6-5-2019.
Two bunches of flowers and cards left by the family of Lyra McKee who visited the scene of the journalists murder in the Creggan Estate of Derry city. Picture Margaret McLaughlin 6-5-2019. Two bunches of flowers and cards left by the family of Lyra McKee who visited the scene of the journalists murder in the Creggan Estate of Derry city. Picture Margaret McLaughlin 6-5-2019.

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