£20,000 appeal for information over the murder of Lyra McKee

An award of £20,000 has been offered in fresh appeal for information about the murder of journalist Lyra McKee.The 29-year-old died after being hit by a bullet as she stood close to police vehicles while observing disturbances in the Creggan area of Londonderry on April 18 2019.Earlier this year, three men were found not guilty of her murder following a trial.Paul McIntyre, 58, of Kells Walk in Derry, Peter Cavanagh, 38, of Mary Street, and Jordan Gareth Devine, 25, of Bishop Street, faced a joint enterprise murder charge.Lyra McKee’s sister Nichola Corner (PA)PA WireNo-one has ever been charged with firing the gun in the incident.Following the trial, Ms McKee’s sister Nichola Corner called for an end to the “culture of silence” in Northern Ireland which meant people did not come forward with information about the killing.The appeal is supported by the independent charity Crimestoppers, which is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given directly to the charity that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.Detective Chief Inspector Hazel Miller said Ms McKee’s family deserve answers.“My thoughts remain, above all else, with Lyra’s loving family and friends,” she said.“Her murder robbed them of a much-loved daughter, sister, partner, friend and colleague, and they have had to live with the pain of that loss every day since.“No family should have to endure this ongoing torment. They deserve answers. They deserve to see those responsible held accountable.“For more than seven years, detectives have worked tirelessly and with determination, to bring those responsible for this senseless and devastating murder to justice.“That commitment has not weakened with time; it remains as strong today as it was on the day Lyra was killed.”She welcomed the Crimestoppers renewed reward, and added: “In particular, we are seeking information on the gunman who carried out this senseless killing.Read More“I know there are people who have information but may feel unable, reluctant or frightened to come forward.“I am appealing directly to you, please take this opportunity to do the right thing. Your information, however small or unimportant it may seem, could be the missing piece that helps us deliver justice for Lyra and her family.“People’s circumstances change. Allegiances change. The reasons that may once have stopped someone speaking to police may no longer apply. We remain ready to listen, and we will treat every piece of information with the seriousness it deserves.”She said: “Lyra’s murder caused deep hurt and lasting trauma — not only for those who loved her, but across the wider community. The condemnation of her killing was unequivocal, and the impact of that terrible night is still felt today.“If you know something, I urge you not to carry that information any longer. Please come forward. Make the call. Help us provide the answers Lyra’s family have waited far too long to receive.”Information can be given, with 100% anonymity, to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.orgIt can also be provided to police online at www.reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals or by calling 101.