Journalist shooting in Londonderry ‘part of orchestrated plot’
More than one person was involved in an orchestrated murder plot which left a young journalist dead, police said.
Lyra McKee, 29, was shot in the head during disturbances in Londonderry on Thursday evening.
Police blamed the New IRA and said the intention was to kill officers.
Deputy chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Stephen Martin said the hearts of people in the city were breaking.
He added: “They have been grossly disappointed with the image of their city across the world today.”
He defended the decision to launch an operation earlier on Thursday aimed at thwarting dissident plans for “imminent” violence.
Violence broke out soon afterwards.
"The death of Lyra McKee in last night's suspected terrorist incident in Londonderry is shocking and truly senseless. My deepest condolences go to her family, friends and colleagues. She was a journalist who died doing her job with great courage." – PM @theresa_may
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) April 19, 2019
The Government condemns in the strongest possible terms the fatal shooting of journalist and writer Lyra McKee in Derry. We are all full of sadness after last night’s events. We cannot allow those who want to propagate violence, fear and hate to drag us back to the past.
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) April 19, 2019
My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Lyra McKee, senselessly killed while doing her job as a journalist.
This shocking attack is a reminder of the vital importance of protecting the Good Friday Agreement and Northern Ireland peace process.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) April 19, 2019
The senior officer said: “Police were in that estate last night carrying out lawful activity, trying to prevent future imminent violence.
“The full and total responsibility for Lyra McKee’s death lies with the organisation that sent someone out with a gun.”
He said he has viewed intelligence and convinced himself of the urgency and need for the operation.
