Lyra McKee murder: Republican group Saoradh refuses to reschedule event on third anniversary of killing

The hardline republican group Saoradh, which denies being close to the New IRA, is reported to have declined calls to reschedule a gathering in Londonderry today.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Apr 2022, 19:23 BST
Updated 18th Apr 2022, 01:52 BST
Lyra McKee was murdered by dissident republicans three years agoLyra McKee was murdered by dissident republicans three years ago
Lyra McKee was murdered by dissident republicans three years ago

Dissident republicans will gather in the city cemetery for an ‘Unfinished Revolution National Easter Commemoration’.

The pleas to rearrange the event were made because it falls on the third anniversary of journalist Lyra McKee’s murder by the New IRA in the city on April 18 2019.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

On hearing that the gathering will go ahead on such an anniversary, the Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie tweeted: “Honestly I have to say this lot is a bunch of wasters”.

He said they are people with “no support offering no future”.

Meanwhile, police investigating the murder have appealed again for information about her killing.

Detectives said they have made 30 arrests and nine people have been charged, three with murder and six with public order offences, in relation to the shooting.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Detective Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan said: “As we approach the third anniversary of the murder of Lyra McKee on April 18, our thoughts very much remain with her family, partner, friends and colleagues.

“Lyra’s family not only continue to mourn for her but also for her mother, who sadly passed away after Lyra’s murder.

“The investigation into Lyra’s murder remains very active and I would like to thank the community for their response and support throughout our investigation.

“I want to re-state the commitment of the police service to work with the community as we collectively seek to release communities from the influence of terrorists.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“While grateful for the considerable public support we have received, we still need the public’s help.

“If anyone has any information about the events which led up to Lyra’s murder, and they have yet to come forward, please contact detectives in absolute confidence by calling 101.

“Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers charity completely confidentially 0800 555 111.”

Ms McKee, 29, was shot dead in Derry as she observed rioting in the Creggan area.

An extremist group styling itself the New IRA has previously claimed it was responsible for killing the journalist and author.