'New IRA' admits Lyra McKee murder

The New IRA has admitted responsibility for the murder of journalist Lyra McKee in Londonderry, as police made a new arrest.

29-year-old Lyra died as a result of her injuries after she was shot on the Creggan estate on April 18.

In a statement given to The Irish News using a recognised code word, the group offered "full and sincere apologies'' to her family and friends.

It came as a 57-year-old woman was arrested under the Terrorism Act in connection with Ms McKee's death.

The PSNI said she had been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for questioning.

Two teenage men arrested by detectives investigating the murder were later released without charge.

The New IRA recently claimed responsibility for parcel bombs sent to London and Glasgow in March.

Police believe the violence started after an earlier search by officers aimed at avoiding trouble associated with this week's anniversary of the Easter Rising.

The statement said: "On Thursday night following an incursion on the Creggan by heavily armed British crown forces which provoked rioting, the IRA deployed our volunteers to engage.

"We have instructed our volunteers to take the utmost care in future when engaging the enemy, and put in place measures to help ensure this.

"In the course of attacking the enemy Lyra McKee was tragically killed while standing beside enemy forces.

"The IRA offer our full and sincere apologies to the partner, family and friends of Lyra McKee for her death.''

The PSNI said the investigation into Lyra's murder is continuing at a "rapid pace,'' with 140 people making contact.

Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said: "This was an attack on the community.

"Lyra, tragically, was a random victim and I need the public to continue to support us.

"Many witnesses have contacted us to give us information that has been provided to them.

"More than 140 people have contacted us via our MIPP (Major Incident Public Portal) with messages, including mobile phone footage.''

Mr Murphy appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

"I want to reassure people that you don't have to commit to anything today. I just need to speak to people to understand what they know,'' he said.

The appeal came after friends of the journalist protested by defacing an office belonging to a dissident republican group by putting red handprints on the walls of its headquarters in Derry on Monday.

A number of Miss McKee's friends walked to Junior McDaid House, where they used a pot of red paint to place handprints on the side of the office walls.

A group of around six men, understood to be members of republican group Saoradh, who are associated with the New IRA, stood outside the building during the protest.

Miss McKee's friend Sinead Quinn, who took part in the protest, said: "We have used red paint because they have blood on their hands for what has happened.

"They have encouraged it, they have moulded these young people into what they are and they are standing behind them handing them guns.

"Lyra deserves more and I am so glad there are so many people here today to see and watch these men looking at us.''

"Lyra McKee's name will never be forgotten in this town,'' Ms Quinn added.