Three day peace walk in memory of Lyra McKee finishes in Derry-Londonderry

By Michael McHugh, Press Association

Hundreds have gathered for a rally at the conclusion of a three-day peace walk in memory of Lyra McKee.

The journalist, 29, was shot dead by dissident republicans while observing unrest in Londonderry last month.

Performer Katie Richardson admitted to being emotional before she sang a song entitled "Lyra" in front of a silent crowd in Guildhall Square in the city.

Afterwards she said: "To Lyra."

Demonstrators walked from Belfast, near where her funeral was held, to a square in Londonderry which hosted the first rallies in protest against the gunmen hours after the talented journalist's death.

Next Lyra's Choir, formed only a short time before and wearing everyday clothes, general well-wishers, young and old, filled the stage until everyone stood shoulder to shoulder. They met hours ago and came from across Northern Ireland to sing pieces with loving and supportive themes.

Next came Lyra's most listened to song on Spotify - Smalltown Girl.

Lyra's sister, Nichola Corner, has vowed to "support" her killer if he hands himself in to police.

(Nichola Corner, the sister of murdered journalist Lyra McKee, holding a copy of the cover of the The Agreement at the end of her speech at the Guildhall)

She said failure was not an option as she urged justice for her family and praised those who have given evidence to police.

She said she would come to any police station to meet whoever admitted to shooting the talented journalist dead and help him through the experience - saying she was speaking in Lyra's name.

It followed a performance from Gary Lightbody and tributes from ordinary people and friends opposed to violence.

(Lead singer of Snow Patrol Gary Lightbody poses with Sara Canning, partner of murdered journalist Lyra McKee)

Her sister held the 1998 Good Friday Agreement aloft as she urged politicians to do a deal to end the threat of bombs and bullets once and for all.

She was applauded by a crowd of hundreds at Guildhall Square.

Ms Corner said: "Here, in front of all of these people present, in the name of my sister, I offer to support you in the difficult task of coming forward and accepting responsibility for your actions.

"I know that is not going to be easy, and it is certainly not going to be easy for me.

"But I am prepared to go there, I am prepared to have that difficult conversation, I am prepared to be there as you hand yourself in.

"I promise you here and now that I will meet you at any police station, anywhere on this island, to support you in taking the brave step of handing yourself in and allowing my sister the justice she deserves."

(People applaud during a speech at the Guildhall)