Lyra McKee: Teenagers arrested over journalist’s death released without charge

‘There will be some people who know what happened but are scared to come forward,’ say police

Two teenagers arrested in connection with the death of journalist Lyra McKee have been released without charge.

“Two males, aged 18 and 19 ... have been released,” a spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said in a statement.

The men were detained on Saturday under the Terrorism Act.

Ms McKee was shot and killed on Thursday night while covering riots in Derry, Northern Ireland.

She was standing next to a police vehicle when a bullet struck her head.

She later died in hospital.

Police officers believe dissident Republican groups were responsible for Thursday’s unrest.

They made a fresh appeal for information after the men were released.

“We have received very positive support from the community, but we need to convert this support into tangible evidence that will enable us to bring Lyra’s killers to justice,” Jason Murphy, a PSNI detective, said.

“I am continuing to appeal for those people who were in Fanad Drive and Central Drive on Thursday night and who have mobile phone footage to please come and speak with my detectives.

“I know there will be some people who know what happened but are scared to come forward but if you have information, no matter how small, please contact detectives.”

After Ms McKee’s death. Kathleen Bradley, one of her closest friends, said her death should end gun violence in Derry.

“Lyra’s legacy will be in this town that guns don’t solve anything, guns should never be used for anything and her legacy will be that we will keep her name and spirit going amongst us,” Ms Bradley said.

“A very clear message has been given from not only the people of this town but wider afield to say that this is not okay, this is not acceptable, this is not justifiable. It has to stop, nothing is worth a life. Nothing.”

Ms McKee’s partner, Sara Canning, has also said the 29-year-old’s death should not be in vain.

“This cannot stand,” she said. “Lyra’s death must not be in vain because her life was a shining light in everyone else’s life and her legacy will live on and the life that she has left behind.”