Police investigating the death of a woman after a shooting in Derry on Thursday night believe a "violent dissident republican" carried out the murder.
Freelance journalist Lyra McKee, 29, was tragically shot dead during a night of rioting in Creggan.
She was rushed to hospital in a police land rover but was later pronounced dead.
The PSNI released a statement on Friday morning condemning the "terrorist incident", and confirmed a murder investigation was launched.
Assistant Chief Constable for District Policing Mark Hamilton described the night of carnage and appealed for no further violence over the Easter weekend.
He said: “Lyra McKee was murdered during orchestrated violence in Creggan last night.
Woman, 29, shot dead during 'terrorist incident' in Creggan, Co Derry
“A single gunman fired shots in a residential area of the city and as a result wounded Ms McKee.
"Officers quickly administered first aid before transporting her in the back of a landrover to hospital. Tragically she died from her injuries.
"At this stage we believe her murder was carried out by a violent dissident republican. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ms McKee, who was a journalist based in Belfast.
"This murder demonstrates all too starkly that when terrorists bring violence and guns into the community, members of the public are placed in severe danger. It is abundantly clear that they do not care who they harm.
“I want to be clear around why police were in the area last night. Protecting the public is and will always be our priority.
"The searches were being carried out because we believed that violent dissident republicans were storing firearms and explosives for a number of planned attacks and these may have been used over the Easter weekend in the city.
"As we began those searches just after 9pm a crowd gathered and before long upwards of 50 petrol bombs were thrown at officers. Two vehicles were also hijacked and set on fire.
Journalist, 29, killed in Derry 'terrorist' shooting incident named as Lyra McKee
"Coming up to 11pm we estimate there were about 100 people in the area including young people and members of the media. It was around this time that the gunman fired a number of shots.
“I am appealing for anyone who was in the area and could assist in either identifying the gunman or has information about where he went afterwards to contact detectives in the incident room on 101 and ask for extension 57074. You can also pass on whatever information you have to the Crimestoppers charity on freephone 0800 555 111.
“We are aware that footage from last night is circulating on social media. This is clearly distressing for the family of Ms McKee and the wider community.
"The shock over what happened here in this city last night is hanging heavy over the entire community today.
"As we move into the Easter weekend I would appeal for calm and ask everyone with influence in the community to work together to ensure there are no further acts of violence."
DUP leader Arlene Foster has reacted to the news, describing it as a "senseless act".
She said: "Heartbreaking news. A senseless act. A family has been torn apart.
"Those who brought guns onto our streets in the 70s, 80s & 90s were wrong. It is equally wrong in 2019. No one wants to go back.
"My thoughts are also with the brave officers who stood in defence of their community."
