Northern Ireland

'Phenomenal' response to Lyra McKee Book of Condolence says Derry mayor

Lyra McKee was shot dead in Derry last month during rioting in the city
Lyra McKee was shot dead in Derry last month during rioting in the city Lyra McKee was shot dead in Derry last month during rioting in the city

A BOOK of condolence for murdered journalist Lyra McKee has provoked a “phenomenal” response from the public, according to mayor of Derry John Boyle.

Mr Boyle said hundreds of people called to Derry’s Guildhall and signed the book on line in the last four weeks since Ms McKee’s murder.

The Belfast woman, who had been living in Derry, was shot in the head by a dissident republican gunman who fired indiscriminately into a crowd.

The 29-year-old had been standing beside a PSNI Land Rover during a riot in the Creggan area on April 18.

Mr Boyle urged anyone still wishing to sign the Book of Condolence to complete online today or to call into the Guildhall by tomorrow at the latest after which it will be closed.

A friend of the murder victim, Mr Boyle said there had been an outpouring of love for Ms McKee and her family.

“Lyra should have been in a generation that could grow up in a prosperous and peaceful island of Ireland. Her shocking murder serves as a reminder of the urgent need for us to work together to secure peace.

“I am heartbroken that senseless violence on our streets has cost the life of a wonderful person whose work and advocacy was always about making the world a better place,” Mr Boyle said.

The mayor will present the book to Ms McKee’s family next week.