“We have instructed our volunteers to take the utmost care in future when engaging the enemy”

New IRA statement

The 29-year-old, died from injuries she sustained when she was shot on the Cretan estate in Londonderry – also known as Derry – on Thursday, April 18. 

In a statement given to The Irish News using a recognised code word, the group offered “full and sincere apologies” to her family and friends.

The terror organisation is made up of armed groups opposed to the peace process and it recently claimed responsibility for parcel bombs sent to London and Glasgow in March. 

Police believe the violence was orchestrated in response to an earlier search by officers aimed at averting imminent trouble associated with this week’s anniversary of the Easter Rising. 

The statement said: “On Thursday night following an incursion on the Cretan by heavily armed British crown forces which provoked rioting, the IRA deployed our volunteers to engage. 

“We have instructed our volunteers to take the utmost care in future when engaging the enemy, and put in place measures to help ensure this.

“In the course of attacking the enemy, Lyra McKee was tragically killed while standing beside enemy forces.

“The IRA offer our full and sincere apologies to the partner, family and friends of Lyra Mckee for her death.” 

Lyra was killed during riots where 50 petrol bombs were thrown at officers and two cars were hijacked and set on fire. 

Following the tragedy, British Prime Minister Theresa May described the killing as “shocking and truly senseless”. 

The Tory leader said: “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.” 

• Crime
• Terror

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