By Sammie Jones-
The New IRA has admitted responsibility for the murder of journalist Lyra McKee, the Irish News has reported.
In a statement given to the paper the group strangely offered “full and sincere apologies” to her family and friends. A 57 year old woman has been arrested under the Terrorism Act in connection with her killing. Two teenagers, 18 and 19 were also arrested on Monday under the Terrorist legislation. On Monday, the NUJ gave a special tribute to Ms Mckee, who was regarded as one of the most promising journalists in Northern Ireland.
Ms McKee, 29, was shot in the head on Thursday night while observing rioting in Londonderry’s Creggan estate.
The statement from the New IRA comes after the hard-left republican political party Saoradh – which has the support of the New IRA – had previously sought to justify the use of violence on Thursday.
Ms McKee was standing near a police 4×4 vehicle when she was shot after a masked gunman fired towards police and onlookers.
A protest by friends of Ms McKee took place on Monday outside the office of Saoradh, a political group linked to the New IRA. Members of the public to “come forward and have a conversation with me”.