Lyra McKee murder: Four men arrested under Terrorism Act

Journalist killed during riot in Creggan area of Derry in 2019

Journalist Lyra McKee  was killed during a night of rioting and petrol bombing. Photograph: Jess Lowe/AFP/Getty Images
Journalist Lyra McKee was killed during a night of rioting and petrol bombing. Photograph: Jess Lowe/AFP/Getty Images

Four men have been arrested in Derry by detectives investigating the murder of journalist Lyra McKee two years ago.

The men - aged 19, 20, 21 and 33 - were arrested on Wednesday morning under the Terrorism Act and have been taken to the Serious Crime Suite at Musgrave Police Station to be interviewed.

Ms McKee (29) was shot and killed, allegedly by dissident republicans. while observing a riot in the Creggan area of Derry in April 2019.

PSNI Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said the arrests are the culmination of a detailed two-year investigation into the journalist's murder and the events which preceded it.

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"The local community have supported the Police Service of Northern Ireland throughout the course of this protracted investigation and I wish to thank them for their continued support and patience whilst this phase of the investigation is ongoing," he said.

Paul McIntyre (53) of Kinnego Park, is charged with murder, possessing a firearm with intent and belonging to a prescribed organisation on April 18th, 2019.

He is further charged, along with Christopher Gillen (40), of Balbane Pass, with throwing and possessing petrol bombs, hijacking, arson and rioting on the same date.

Both men have been returned for trial to the Crown Court on a date to be fixed and released on continuing bail.

Sarah Burns

Sarah Burns

Sarah Burns is a reporter for The Irish Times