Theresa May to attend funeral of murdered journalist Lyra McKee in Belfast

Prime Minister Theresa May will attend the Belfast funeral of murdered journalist Lyra McKee today.

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 taking place in St Anne’s Cathedral this afternoon before she was being laid to rest in Carnmoney Cemetery.

A tribute from Ms McKee's mother Joan, brothers Gary and David, and sisters Joan Hunter, Nichola Corner and Mary Crossan said: "On Thursday 18th April our beautiful Lyra was taken from us.

"A daughter, a sister, an aunt, a great-aunt, a partner, a niece, a cousin, and above all, a best friend and confidante to so many of us.

"A friend to all, a gentle innocent soul who wouldn't wish ill on anyone. Such a warm and innocent heart, she was the greatest listener, someone who had time for everyone."

The McKee family added: "She was a smart, strong-minded woman who believed passionately in inclusivity, justice and truth.

As well as Mrs May, who will miss Prime Minister’s Questions to attend, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is also expected to be at the service along with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and Ireland's President, Michael D. Higgins.

Ms McKee, 29, was killed as she reported on rioting in the city of Londonderry, also known as Derry.

She was the first journalist killed on the job in the UK for almost 20 years.

The New IRA admitted responsibility for the murder in a statement given to The Irish News.

Using a recognised code word, the group offered "full and sincere apologies" to Ms McKee's family and friends, claiming: "We have instructed our volunteers to take the utmost care in future when engaging the enemy, and put in place measures to help ensure this."

The New IRA is an amalgam of armed groups opposed to the peace process.

It recently claimed responsibility for parcel bombs sent to London and Glasgow in March.

Police believe the violence was orchestrated in response to an earlier search by officers aimed at averting imminent trouble associated with the week's anniversary of the Easter Rising.