The leaders of Northern Ireland’s five main political parties have released a joint statement following the killing of journalist Lyra McKee in Derry on Thursday night.

The statement said: “We want to express our condemnation in the strongest terms possible at the murder of journalist Lyra McKee.

“The murder of Lyra McKee is first and foremost a devastating loss for her grieving partner, family and friends, and our thoughts are with them at this awful time.

“Lyra’s murder was also an attack on all the people of this community, an attack on the peace and democratic processes.

“It was a pointless and futile act to destroy the progress made over the last 20 years, which has the overwhelming support of people everywhere.

“We are united in rejecting those responsible for this heinous crime.

“They have no support in the community, must be brought to justice and should disband immediately.

“We reiterate our support for the PSNI, who while carrying out their duties were also the target of last night’s attack. We call on anyone with any information to bring that forward to the police and assist their inquiries.

“This is a time for calm heads.”

CAPTION: Journalist Lyra McKee who was killed by the actions of a dissident republican gunman in Derry on Thursday night (April 18, 2019).

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