WATCH: Police identify gun used to kill Lyra McKee

By Q Radio News.

Police have recovered the gun used to kill journalist Lyra McKee in Derry/Londonderry. 

Investigators believe the weapon may have been stolen some time ago and used a number of times prior to Lyra's murder in April, 2019.

The Hammerli X-Esse .22 pistol and a bomb were found during searches in the Ballymagroarty area of the city last week.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) detective superintendent Jason Murphy said: "I can confirm that a gun that was seized and recovered by police last week in Derry was the gun that killed Lyra McKee."

Ms McKee was an observer during rioting in the city's Creggan area.

Mr Murphy said the shot which killed her was fired in the direction of officers.

He said senior members of the dissident republican group the New IRA were involved, adding: "For the IRA the net is tightening."

Search operations which recovered the weapon from a field within 250 yards of local housing took place over two days.

Police said it was a significant moment.

Mr Murphy added: "Last night, I had the unenviable task of telling Lyra's family and her partner Sara that after months of painstaking work, the gun that killed Lyra has been removed from the terrorists' control.

"Understandably they are relieved that no other family will ever have to face the devastation arising from the use of that gun, that they have been forced to face for the past 15 months.

"This is also a very difficult moment for all of them, as they struggle every day to deal with Lyra's brutal murder."

Gun used in Lyra McKee’s murder

Lyra's sister Nichola Corner has welcomed the police's announcement. She's been speaking to Q Radio News:

"The release that we felt was unimaginable. We were so glad to discover that the police had once again thwarted another life threatening deadly attack on another human being.," Nichola said.

Nichola Corner

"What would make a difference for us, for those who are left living, so that the bullet can stop travelling, is that we can get justice, justice for Lyra," NIchola added.

One man, Paul McIntyre, 52, from Kinnego Park in Derry, has been charged with Ms McKee's murder.

The 29-year-old's death helped kick-start political talks leading to the resumption of Stormont powersharing early this year.

Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, President Michael D Higgins and then-British prime minister Theresa May attended the funeral of the talented writer in Belfast and heard a priest urge compromise among elected representatives.

Scene outside Lyra McKee's funeral in 2019

Mr Murphy said the weapon jammed as the gunman fired it and footage showed him trying to eject the rounds.

The detective said the most advanced DNA technology available was being used to examine whether the gunman may have left forensic traces within the weapon.

He said: "Our collective efforts have lost no energy or focus.

Gun used in Lyra McKee’s murder

"I know who was involved. I know who the gunman is.

"I have asked the scientists to find me the evidence that will enable me to complete the jigsaw of the events of 18 April that I have been building for Lyra's family since the night she was murdered."

Reacting to the police announcement, Colum Eastwood, MP for Foyle, said that news that the gun used in the murder has been found is positive and has renewed his call for anyone with information to come forward.

“Progress in the police investigation into the murder of Lyra McKee is very welcome news today. The recovery of the gun used in the murder is significant and I hope that it will lead to further developments.

“Those responsible for taking the life of a young journalist in Derry need to understand that there was nothing patriotic about it. There is no honour to be found in the murder of someone with so much to contribute to our city and our island. They have set themselves against the people of Derry and the people of Ireland. They must face justice.

“I am renewing my appeal to the people of our city. If you have any information about Lyra’s murder, no matter how small, and you haven’t come forward yet, now is the moment. We all have a part to play in ending the grip of violent men on our communities.”