Detectives from the PSNI’s major investigation team have charged a 52-year- old man with the murder of journalist Lyra McKee, who was shot dead by the New IRA in the Creggan in Derry in April last year.

The writer (29) was observing rioting from behind police lines in the Creggan when she was killed by a shot fired by a dissident republican gunman.

The man was one of four men arrested on Tuesday in Derry in connection with the murder. Three other men aged 20, 28 and 29 were released after questioning but on Wednesday evening police announced they had charged the 52-year-old man with murder.

He will appear at Derry Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Det Supt Jason Murphy said, “I have always said a number of individuals were involved with the gunman on the night Lyra was killed, and while today is significant for the investigation the quest for the evidence to bring the gunman to justice remains active and ongoing.”

Mr Murphy had earlier renewed a public appeal for any information connected to the murder of the young journalist.

“I have always believed that some people within the community know what happened and who was involved. I understand that people may be frightened to talk to us. I have previously given my personal assurance relating to anonymity for the purpose of this investigation and I renew this assurance today, as we approach the anniversary of Lyra’s murder,” he said.

“We saw widescale revulsion after Lyra was murdered and I remain determined to work with the community and local policing to convert that revulsion into tangible evidence to bring those who murdered Lyra to justice,” he added.