WATCH: New CCTV footage released by Police investigating Lyra McKee murder

By Q Radio News and PA

Police investigating the murder of journalist Lyra McKee in Derry-Londonderry have called for the public's assistance in identifying a short, stocky suspect they believe is responsible.

Releasing footage of the suspects, PSNI Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy told reporters: "People saw this young man and his associates.

"I think people in the community know who they are and I'm asking them today to come forward to help us."

Mr Murphy continued: "I'm releasing footage today from the night of Lyra's murder and I want to appeal to anyone who recognises or knows these people to talk to us."

Three men - one said to have been carrying a crate of petrol bombs - were seen walking across Central Drive a minute before the killing.

Speaking about the main suspect, Mr Murphy said: "He is shorter than both of the other men and is of stocky build. It is of my belief that he is the gunman that fired indiscriminately into the crowd and placed the community and police officers at risk."

"I believe he is the person who took the life of Lyra McKee."

Mr Murphy called on the community to overcome any fears and come forward to identify the main suspect.

"I believe that people in the community know who this individual is. I recognise that people living in Creggan may feel it is difficult to come forward to speak to police," he said.

"Today I want to provide a personal reassurance that we are able to deal with those issues sensitively.

"At Lyra's funeral on Wednesday we heard many messages of the potential for a better future, but as I've said previously such sentiment will be all in vain if we can't tackle the malign influences that some individuals continue to exert over our communities."

More than 140 people have provided images, footage and other information to police, he said.

"Such information simply gets me through the door but it doesn't get me to the door of a courtroom. I need people to contact my team to talk to us about what they know," he added.

PSNI Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy says he believes some members of the community know who killed journalist, Lyra McKee and is appealing for those with information to come forward. CCTV footage has also been released today of the suspected gunman. pic.twitter.com/zitmI3XckW

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 26, 2019