£10K Reward For Information On The Murder Of Lyra McKee

A £10,000 reward has been offered in exchange for information on the murder of journalist Lyra McKee.

The popular writer was killed as she reported on a night of violent rioting in Creggan, L'Derry on Thursday 18 April.

She was shot while standing near a police jeep when a masked gunman emerged from a crowd of dissident republicans and fired indiscriminately towards the police and onlookers.

The New IRA has since issued a statement to accept responsibility for the death.

UK independent charity Crimestoppers offered the monetary reward. A spokesperson said: "This murder has sent shockwaves through the local community and across Northern Ireland. Indeed it has attracted global condemnation.

"Ms McKee was merely doing her job as a freelance journalist. We know that this has affected all parts of the community and we urge anyone who has information about those who are responsible to come forward. 

"By contacting Crimestoppers, you stay 100% anonymous. Always. You can pass on what you know, safe in the knowledge that you're doing the right thing. No one will ever know you contacted us and you may also be entitled to a reward. 

"Please call 0800 555 111 or use our anonymous online form- your information could make all the difference in helping Lyra's loved ones and the wider community have the answers they deserve. Only by working together can we keep our communities safe."

The online form can be accessed here.

The reward will only qualify if information is passed through Crimestoppers.

Speaking after Ms McKee's funeral, held at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast on Wednesday 24 April, PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton said he was confident that the evidence is out there to bring those responsible before the courts.

Issuing a fresh appeal to the public, he said: "I want to reassure you we will not be reckless with your information. This isn't about being an informant or grassing someone up, this is about good citizenship, about respect for the rule of law and taking off the streets the people who murdered Lyra McKee."



(JG/MH)