The youngsters, aged 18 and 19, had been held under the Terrorism Act but were released by the Police Service of Northern Ireland as officers urged witnesses to come forward. Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said: “We have received very positive support from the community but we need to convert this support into tangible evidence that will enable us to bring Lyra’s killers to justice. “I know there will be some people who know what happened but are scared to come forward but if you have information, no matter how small, please contact detectives.”

The 29-year-old journalist and published author died after she was shot in the head by suspects who police believe were dissident republicans linked to the New IRA on Thursday during a night of riots of Creggan, Derry.

Ms McKee had been on the scene in the Creggan area of the Northern Irish city as police and rioters clashed in violent attacks.

Petrol bombs were hurled, cars torched and shots fired.

Ms McKee, who had written previously for publications such as Atlantic, Mosaic Science and BuzzFeed, was covering the bloody fighting.

CCTV footage released by police show her final moments in the crowd at about 10pm where she had a raised phone in the air to document the violence.

Mobile phone footage taken by a bystander appeared to show a masked gunman crouching down on the street and opening fire with a hand gun.

Ms McKee was wounded while standing near a 4×4 police vehicle.

Police described the shooting as a “terrorist incident” and believe the violence was orchestrated in response to an earlier search by officers aimed at averting imminent trouble associated with this week’s anniversay of Easter Rising.

Around 50 petrol bombs were thrown in the confrontation and two cars were burned out.

Ms McKee’s funeral will take place in her native Belfast on Wednesday.

The landmark Free Derry Corner has been repainted to include the words “not in our name – RIP Lyra” to reflect community revulsion felt at the killing.

Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O’Neill said: “To those young people circling these people consider what type of future you want for your kids and grandkids – there are two futures on offer – one of peace, opportunity and Irish reunification.

“Or one of death, imprisonment which serves no cause, community or people.

“Ask yourself what type of life and what type of Ireland do you want to be part of?

“It is high time these people disbanded and ended their futile actions which are a barrier to achieving Irish unity.”

Mrs O’Neill was speaking at a commemoration of the Easter Rising battle for Irish independence at the city cemetery in Londonderry on Sunday.

This is a breaking story. More to follow.

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