New IRA offers 'full and sincere apologies' as it admits being responsible for killing journalist Lyra McKee during riots in Londonderry
- The republican splinter group admitted it was responsible for killing Lyra McKee
- A gunman aiming at police hit and killed the 29-year-old during riots on April 18
- The journalist's killing has been condemned across the political spectrum
The New IRA has admitted responsibility for the murder of journalist Lyra McKee in Londonderry.
The republican splinter group offered 'full and sincere apologies' to her family and friends in a statement to The Irish News.
A gunman aiming to kill police hit the talented 29-year-old in the head after firing indiscriminately during disturbances in the Creggan estate.
Her killing has been widely condemned across the political spectrum.
The New IRA has admitted responsibility for the murder of journalist Lyra McKee (pictured) in Londonderry during riots last week
The New IRA is an amalgam of armed groups opposed to the peace process and it recently claimed responsibility for parcel bombs sent to London and Glasgow in March.
Police believe the violence was orchestrated in response to an earlier search by officers, aimed at averting trouble associated with this week's anniversary of the Easter Rising.
Since her death more than 140 people have contacted police with information, detectives revealed yesterday.
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Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said the investigation to find her killer is continuing at a 'rapid pace'.
Yesterday friends of Ms McKee protested against republican group Saoradh, who are associated with the New IRA, by putting red handprints on the walls of its headquarters in Londonderry.
Lyra's friend Sinead Quinn, who took part on Monday's protest, said: 'We have used red paint because they have blood on their hands for what has happened.
This CCTV image shows the man (circled) suspected of firing the shots that killed Lyra McKee at a protest in Londonderry on Thursday, April 18
Saoradh's Brian Kenna (centre) and Dee Fennell (right) during their Easter commemoration at Milltown Cemetery in Belfast yesterday
'They have encouraged it, they have moulded these young people into what they are and they are standing behind them handing them guns.'
About 150 members of the Saoradh group held a march in military colours wearing berets and sunglasses in the capital on Saturday.
Irish PM Leo Varadkar condemned their action, saying the march had dishonoured the Irish national flag.
Ms McKee's funeral service will be held at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast on Wednesday, followed by a burial at the Carnmoney Cemetery.
Republican group Saoradh was condemned by figures across the political spectrum after its members paraded through Dublin wearing berets and sunglasses yesterday.
Irish premier Leo Varadkar said the march was an 'insult' to the Irish, as people across the island mourned the journalist and author.
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