£20,000 award for information about murder of Lyra McKee

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 Derry on April 18, 2019. File Picture

An award of £20,000 (€23,400) has been offered in a 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 Derry on April 18, 2019.

Earlier this year, three men were found not guilty of her murder following a trial.

Paul McIntyre, aged 58, of Kells Walk in Derry, Peter Cavanagh, aged 38, of Mary Street, and Jordan Gareth Devine, aged 25, of Bishop Street, had faced a joint enterprise murder charge.

Nobody 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 the North which meant people did not come forward with information about the killing.

On Friday morning, the PSNI issued a renewed appeal for information, 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.” 

Ms Miller welcomed the Crimestoppers renewed reward, and added: “In particular, we are seeking information on the gunman who carried out this senseless killing.

“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.”