PSNI condole with Lyra McKee's family and partner

Speaking on the eve of the second anniversary of the late 29-year-old Belfast writer who was shot dead in Creggan on April 18, 2019, Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said: “Our thoughts are very much with her family and partner at this very sad time. Lyra’s family not only continue to mourn for her but also for her mother, who sadly passed away after Lyra’s murder.

"One man was charged with murder, hijacking, arson of a vehicle, riot and petrol bomb offences, and a second man was charged with hijacking, arson of a vehicle, riot and petrol bomb offences.

“A third man was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances (please note the third man was charged with possessing the firearm that was used in Lyra’s murder, but has not been charged in connection with the events of 18 April 2019 directly)."

The senior police officer said the PSNI would continue to pursue justice for Lyra.

DS Murphy said: “The investigation into the murder of Lyra still remains very active and I would like to thank the community for their incredible response throughout our investigation.

"I want to re-state the commitment of the police service to work with the community as we collectively seek to release communities from the influence of terrorists.”