GRAFFITI threatening to "execute" anyone who assists the PSNI investigation into the murder of Lyra McKee has appeared at the scene of her killing in Derry.
Dissident republican slogans including "Informers Will Be Executed!" and "IRA Here To Stay" were found daubed on walls in the city's Creggan estate this morning, just yards away from where the journalist was shot dead last month.
Lyra, 29, was murdered by a suspected 'New IRA' gunman who fired indiscriminately towards police lines amid rioting on Fanad Drive in the estate on April 18.
Pro-IRA graffiti which was painted over in the days after Ms McKee's murder has now been restored, with messages claiming the "undefeated army" of the IRA "aren't done".
One threat features an image of a rat, with the caption: "Informers will be shot. IRA" – while another warns: "RUC Informers: They will forget about you, we won't. IRA".
Graffiti supporting New IRA appears in Creggan, hours after PSNI says witnesses to Lyra McKee murder would get anonymity in court pic.twitter.com/UltGAXbzvK
— Julian O'Neill (@julianoneill) 2 May 2019
It comes after the PSNI confirmed that witnesses to Ms McKee's murder will be offered anonymity if they come forward to give evidence in court.
In a rare move, the force explained that "the maximum protection" was necessary to offset the chances of witness intimidation or threats in any future trial.
Local Sinn Féin councillor Kevin Campbell described the graffiti as "an absolute insult to the memory of Lyra McKee", reports RTÉ News.
"These people were given a clear message after the death of Lyra, when hundreds and hundreds of residents of Creggan stood together on Fanad Drive, that they are not wanted," he added.
The masked man suspected of shooting Lyra McKee captured on CCTV (Image: PSNI)"Maybe that message isn't getting through, but this is an absolute disgrace and it's an insult to her memory.
"People see these gangs for what they are – they aren't republicans, they are filth, and people recognise that."
Detectives previously released CCTV images of Ms McKee's suspected New IRA killer in a bid to identify him, saying more than 140 people have already come forward with information, videos and images from that night.
Meanwhile, Crimestoppers has offered a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council confirmed they were aware of the new graffiti and said the council "is working to resolve the issue as soon as possible".
