Police have described the arrests of four men in Derry in connection with the 2019 murder of Lyra McKee as the “culmination of a detailed two-year investigation”.
The four, aged 19,20,21 and 33, were arrested in a series of operations in the Creggan early yesterday morning. They are being questioned at the PSNI’s Musgrave police station.
Ms McKee was shot dead while observing a riot in the Creggan in April 2019. The Belfast woman had been standing close to police when a gunman opened fire. The New IRA later claimed responsibility for her murder, apologising for her death.
Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy, who is leading the investigation into the 29-year-old's killing, thanked the community for supporting police in the investigation. He also thanked the public for their patience while “this phase of the investigation into Lyra’s murder” is ongoing.
Detective Superintendent Murphy said: “These arrests are the culmination of a detailed two-year investigation into Lyra’s murder and the events which preceded it.”
One man has been charged with Ms McKee’s murder “in joint enterprise” with another. The 53-year-old man has been charged with collecting spent bullet casings after the gunman opened fire.
In June last year, a gun found during searches in Derry, was confirmed as the weapon used in the murder.
The Hammerli X-Esse pistol along with a bomb was found during planned police searches in the Ballymagroarty area of the city. Police described the discovery as a “significant moment for the investigation”.
