‘Today is significant’: Man charged with the murder of Lyra McKee

The 29-year-old was killed in Derry in April last year. Police have called Wednesday’s arrest “significant”

A 52-year-old man has been charged with the murder of journalist Lyra McKee, who died after being shot during rioting in Derry last year.

He was also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and professing to be a member of a proscribed organisation, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said.

The man, who was arrested on Tuesday, is due to appear at Derry magistrates court on Thursday.

The man was one of four men arrested on Tuesday in Derry in connection with the murder. Three of the four men have been released without charge.

Related: 4 men have been arrested in connection with the murder of Lyra McKee

However, Det Supt Jason Murphy said a number of individuals were involved with the gunman on the night she was killed.

“And while today is significant for the investigation the quest for the evidence to bring the gunman to justice remains active and ongoing,” he added.

Man charged with murder of Lyra McKee pic.twitter.com/zgMVdFa2sr

— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) February 12, 2020

The feminist, activist and journalist was just 29-years-old when she was fatally shot during a riot in the Creggan area of Derry. A group calling itself the New IRA claimed responsibility for her death.

Related: Lyra McKee: The ceasefire baby whose life ended with a single bullet

“A friend to all, a gentle innocent soul who wouldn’t wish ill on anyone. Such a warm and innocent heart, she was the greatest listener, someone who had time for everyone. She was a smart, strong-minded woman who believed in passionately in inclusivity, justice and truth. Lyra spoke to and made friends with anybody and everybody, no matter what their background, those of all political views and those with none,” her family said in a statement at the time of her death.

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