Family of Lyra McKee thankful for support since her murder
Last updated 30th Apr 2019
Relatives of murdered journalist Lyra McKee have thanked people for their support following her "nightmare'' death.
She was shot dead by a dissident republican gunman linked to the New IRA who fired indiscriminately at police lines during disturbances in Londonderry on April 18.
Revulsion at her death has galvanised a new bid for political agreement at Stormont following criticism of the stalemate from a Catholic priest.
Ms McKee's family said: "We know that as our nightmare continues in the weeks, months and years ahead, that we will not be alone.
"We know that you will all continue to support us and we know that we will all rejoice together on the day that justice is achieved for our Lyra.''
Her vision for her post-conflict generation and anti-sectarian outlook has inspired widespread praise and sparked calls for political action.
Demands for action from Father Martin Magill and Ms McKee's sister Nichola Corner during her funeral in Belfast spurred the UK Government into a renewed effort to restore Stormont powersharing, due to begin early in May.
Ms McKee's family said: The outpouring of love, respect and admiration for our dear Lyra has been of great comfort to us in these dark days.
To know that our wee Lyra was so well-loved across the globe, and by people of all walks of life, is a true testament to her personal philosophy and her vision for the world.''
They said they have been honoured and overwhelmed by requests for events in her name or inspired by her.
But they added: We respectfully request that before anyone uses her life or death for any purpose that they consider her legacy of inclusivity and understanding.''
And they said: We are mindful that we may not be able to thank everyone individually, however we want everyone who said a prayer, shared a thought, sent a message, card or text, attended a vigil, attended or watched her service, visited her home, travelled, respected our privacy, or did any other positive act in response to Lyra's murder, to know that we appreciate every single sentiment, no matter how small - these things have helped to give us some strength while we are at our weakest.''
Police have made a number of arrests and released images of the suspected gunman before and after the killing in Derry's Creggan estate in a bid to encourage witnesses to come forward.