Two men arrested over the murder of journalist Lyra McKee have been released without charge.

Ms McKee, 29, was shot as she was observing rioting in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, on Thursday night.

In a statement released on Sunday the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said: "Two males, aged 18 and 19, have been released without charge."

Image: Ms McKee, 29, was shot as she was observing rioting in Londonderry

Detectives have repeated their appeal for help from people living in Creggan where the shooting happened.

Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said: "We have received very positive support from the community but we need to convert this support into tangible evidence that will enable us to bring Lyra's killers to justice.


Reporter murder: Video of man 'opening fire'

"I am continuing to appeal for those people who were in Fanad Drive and Central Drive on Thursday night and who have mobile phone footage to please come and speak with my detectives and provide us with your mobile phone footage."

Ms McKee's funeral will be held at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast on Wednesday at 1pm.

Her family have asked mourners to wear Harry Potter items, reflecting her love for the JK Rowling books.

A message of condolence for Ms McKee has been graffitied on to the landmark Free Derry Corner which says: "Not in our name. RIP Lyra."

The PSNI, which released CCTV of the incident in the hope it would help identify the killer, said a gunman fired shots towards police officers at about 10pm.

In her final moments, Ms McKee is seen standing among a crowd of other innocent bystanders and raised her phone in the air, apparently to photograph the violence.

In shaky mobile phone footage also released by detectives, a masked attacker leans from behind cover and appears to shoot towards police and onlookers.

Trouble began as officers carried out a search operation aimed at disrupting dissident republicans ahead of this weekend's commemoration of Irish independence.

Officers say around 50 petrol bombs were thrown in the confrontation and two cars were burned out.

Partner's tribute to reporter shot dead

Ms McKee, who had tweeted about the "absolute madness" in the area in the hours before she lost her life, was standing near a police 4x4 vehicle when she was hit.

In the video, a figure near the gunman appears to crouch and pick something up from the spot where the shots were fired, seemingly confirming detectives' theory that more than one person was involved.

Detectives have said the New IRA, a dissident republican group, was most likely behind the reporter's killing and police warned that a "new breed" of terrorist was emerging.

A demonstration was held by republicans who embrace the peace process and said their violent dissident counterparts were caught in a futile and antiquated time warp.

They carried photos of former IRA members killed during the 30-year conflict.

Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O'Neill said on Sunday: "To those young people circling these people, consider what type of future you want for your kids and grandkids. There are two futures on offer - one of peace, opportunity and Irish reunification.

Image: A group of Ms McKee's friends gather at the site where she was shot

"Or one of death, imprisonment which serves no cause, community or people.

"Ask yourself what type of life and what type of Ireland do you want to be part of?

"It is high time these people disbanded and ended their futile actions which are a barrier to achieving Irish unity."