Two men charged with murder of Belfast journalist Lyra McKee

Two men have been charged with the murder of Belfast journalist Lyra McKee.

The 29-year-old was shot dead while observing rioting in the Creggan area of Londonderry in April 2019 by dissident republicans.

Men to face court

The two men, aged 21 and 33, have also been charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, riot, possession of petrol bombs, throwing petrol bombs and arson.

The 33-year-old has additionally been charged with robbery.

A third man, aged 20, has been charged with riot, possession of petrol bombs and throwing petrol bombs.

All three are expected to appear before Londonderry Magistrates’ Court via video-link on Friday (17 September) morning.

A 19-year-old man also arrested during the same operation has been released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.

The extremist group that styles itself the New IRA has previously claimed it was responsible for the killing.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis welcomed the development, applauding the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) for bringing those responsible for the “senseless” crime to justice.

He said: “The tragic murder of Lyra McKee was a reminder that a small minority of individuals continue to seek to cause harm to communities.

“This was an utterly senseless and shocking crime and I applaud the continued work of the PSNI to bring those responsible to justice.

“The fact that serious charges have been brought forward, which includes two individuals being charged with Lyra’s murder, is to be strongly welcomed and is testimony to that hard work.

“I would like to thank the PSNI and security partners for their dedication to keeping the people of Northern Ireland safe.”

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