A 29 year old journalist has been shot dead in Derry in what police are treating as a "terrorist incident".
29-year-old Lyra McKee died during disturbances in the Creggan estate last night.
The violence began after police conducted raids on a number of houses in the area.
Police came under attack - with a number of shots being fired and petrol bombs thrown.
The PSNI have confirmed that a 29 year old woman who was injured later died and a murder investigation has been launched.
They're treating it as a terrorist incident and have blamed dissident republicans.
ACC Mark Hamilton says ‘our thoughts are very much with the family & friends of Lyra McKee’. He says her murder ‘demonstrates all too starkly when terrorists bring violence & guns into the community members of the public are placed in severe danger’. pic.twitter.com/26TJZMkLGD
— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) April 19, 2019
The National Union of Journalists says Lyra's death is "deeply shocking" and has described her as one of the most promising journalists in Northern Ireland.
The organisation says a "young, vibrant life has been destroyed in a senseless act of violence".
Politicians from across the political spectrum in the North have been reacting.
DUP leader Arlene Foster called it a "senseless act" - while UUP leader Robin Swann said news of the death was "devastating"
Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O'Neill condemned the "senseless loss of life" and said it wasn't just a tragedy for the family but an attack on all of the people of the community, the peace process and an attack on the Good Friday agreement.
Statement by President Higgins on the killing of Lyra McKee in Derry: https://t.co/40NRq1xyXE pic.twitter.com/2SuEM1lH0s
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) April 19, 2019
I would like to express my sincere condolences to Lyra’s family, her partner Sara and her friends. Our solidarity also goes out to the people of Derry and to the entire journalism community.
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) April 19, 2019
Sick to my stomach at death of Lyra McKee in Derry. She was an inspiring thinker and journalist. Last night she was killed by a thug terrorizing people in Derry. Anyone with information should contact #PSNI .
In Memory Of Lyra McKee / https://t.co/fvINIjblky via @YouTube— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) April 19, 2019
