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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Aoife Moore

Pro-IRA graffiti appears at Lyra McKee murder scene in Derry warning that 'informers will be executed'

Pro-IRA graffiti has appeared in Derry warning the community against helping the police.

The slogans appeared on Thursday morning in the Creggan area, metres from where journalist Lyra McKee was killed on April 18.

She was shot by a dissident republican linked to the New IRA who fired indiscriminately at police lines during disturbances over the Easter weekend.

Painted on a wall, one message reads "Informers will be executed", and another says "IRA here to stay".

Another message includes a picture of a rat, with the message "Informers will be shot. IRA", and another says "RUC Informers: They will forget about you, we won't. IRA".

New pro-IRA graffiti has appeared just metres away from where the journalist Lyra McKee was killed in Creggan, Derry (Aoife Moore/PA Wire)
New pro-IRA graffiti has appeared just metres away from where the journalist Lyra McKee was killed in Creggan, Derry (Aoife Moore/PA Wire)

PSNI confirm anonymity to witnesses with information on journalist Lyra McKee's tragic murder 

Pro-IRA graffiti which had been painted over in the days after Ms McKee's murder has been restored, saying the IRA "aren't done" and is an "undefeated army".

The new graffiti comes as the Police Service of Northern Ireland have offered anonymity for anyone in the community who comes foward with evidence about the death of Ms McKee or the New IRA.

Police have made a number of arrests and released images of the suspected gunman before and after the killing in Derry in a bid to encourage witnesses to come forward.

Detectives say more than 140 people have already come forward with information, videos and images from the unrest.

Complete anonymity, including giving evidence behind a screen and using voice altering technology, have been offered for anyone called to give evidence at a trial.

Crimestoppers has offered a reward of £10,000 for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for the murder.

Journalist Lyra McKee who was shot dead in Derry as she was covering rioting in the city. (PhotopressBelfast.co.uk)
New pro-IRA graffiti has appeared just metres away from where the journalist Lyra McKee was killed in Creggan, Derry (Aoife Moore/PA Wire)

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Kevin Campbell, Sinn Fein councillor and a Creggan resident, said the people of the area had sent a message to the perpetrators and will not be deterred.

"It's an absolute insult to the memory of Lyra McKee, who was murdered by these people," he said.

"These people were given a clear message after the death of Lyra, when hundreds and hundreds of residents of Creggan stood together on Fanad Drive, that they are not wanted. Maybe that message isn't getting through, but this is an absolute disgrace and it's an insult to her memory."

Mr Campbell says he does not believe the graffiti will deter people from coming forward.

"People see these gangs for what they are - they aren't republicans, they are filth, and people recognise that," he added.

One shocked resident told the Press Association: "I cannot believe them, it's only the second week since Lyra was killed here. They have no shame, they are scum."

Image of New IRA thug who police believe murdered journalist Lyra McKee in Derry 

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