Lyra McKee funeral: Theresa May, Jeremy Corbyn and colleagues of murdered journalist attend Belfast funeral

Friends and family of Lyra Mckee and political leaders including Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May gathered to pay tribute to the murdered journalist at her funeral in Belfast today.

Those attending were asked to wear Harry Potter and Marvel Comics merchandise in tribute to the journalist’s passion for both.

Her colleagues formed a guard of honour as the service began at St Anne's Cathedral on Wednesday afternoon.

UK Prime Minister Mrs May, Labour leader Mr Corbyn, Irish premier Leo Varadkar, President of Ireland Michael D Higgins and Irish foreign affairs minister Simon Coveney were also among those who attended.

Ms McKee was shot dead as she observed clashes between police and New IRA dissidents on the Creggan estate in Londonderry on April 18.

Her funeral was cross-community and mourners spanned both sides of the Irish border.

Catholic priest Father Martin Magill told mourners Ms McKee's death should mark a new beginning for Northern Ireland, adding the gunmen who killed her should lay down their arms.

"I dare to hope that Lyra's murder on Holy Thursday night can be the doorway to a new beginning. I detect a deep desire for this."

"To those who had any part in her murder, I encourage you to reflect on Lyra McKee, journalist and writer, as a powerful example of 'The pen is mightier than the sword'.

"I plead with you to take the road of non-violence to achieve your political ends."

Since the killing many have condemned the culture of violence and coercive control practised by dissidents, the clergyman said.

"We need to send a very different message and so I appeal to those who have information about Lyra's murder but who haven't yet come forward to do so now.

"If you want to see an end to these brutal rules, and see a new society built on justice and fairness, on hope and not fear, then you can help build that society by letting the police know what you know."

He called on political leaders to break the Stormont negotiations impasse.

"I pray that Lyra's murder may be the catalyst needed for parties to start talking, to reform that which was corrosive in previous assemblies and to begin anew."

Many who attended wore Hogwarts Gryffindor House scarves in honour of Ms Mckee.

The congregation was led by Ms McKee's partner Sara Canning, 35, her mother Joan McKee, 68, brothers Gary and David and sisters Joan, Nichola and Mary.

Her family have paid tribute to a "gentle, innocent soul" whose "desire to bring people together made her totally apolitical".

Her sister Nichola Corner said she was the kindest and most gentle person the world will never forget.

"We can create a society where labels are meaningless."

She added every single person should get the chance to grow up and make their dreams come true.

"This is Lyra's legacy and we must carry it forward.

"This is the gift that God gave the world on the 31st of March 1990.

"We are all responsible for helping God's will to be fulfilled, each and every one of us."

She paid tribute to her sister's bond with her mother.

"Whilst a broken heart can never be mended and an empty space can never be filled, the unconditional love that they both shared for each other will continue for eternity."

Her friend Stephen Lusty said she embodied a future of finding commonality, enjoying difference in others.

They had been robbed of a talent destined to become a stateswoman, with only holes left behind, he said.

He said Ms McKee's lasting legacy should be peace.

"We have two choices, we can look into the holes and wait forever... or we can fill those holes today.

"Today we grieve but tomorrow let us fill that hole by adopting Lyra's future and vision."

Mrs May spoke with Miss McKee's partner Sara Canning and the rest of her family, including her mother Joan McKee.

Both the PM and Mr Corbyn were absent from the regular Wednesday Prime Minister's Questions to attend the funeral.

As the funeral was being held, a number of journalists posted tributes on social media with the hashtag #WeStandWithLyra.

BBC presenter Andrea Catherwood tweeted: "Cameras down in Doha to remember fellow journalist #LyraMcKee senselessly murdered in Derry. Her values of inclusion, love and equality are N Ireland's future. #WestandwithLyra"

Other images showed journalists paying their respects in newsrooms for outlets including Channel 4 News and the BBC.

And the National Union of Journalists tweeted an image from a vigil being held for Miss McKee at St Bride's Church, dubbed the "journalists' church", in Fleet Street, London.