The partner of journalist Lyra McKee has described a dissident republican parade being held in Derry today, the third anniversary of her killing, as a “massive slap in the face”.

The 29-year-old journalist was shot dead on 18 April 2019 while observing rioting in Londonderry.

The New IRA later admitted responsibility for her death.

The group’s political wing, known as Saoradh, will march around the city today before a wreath-laying ceremony in the City Cemetery, in a parade that could attract up to 2,000 people. Organisers have resisted calls to change the date of the march.

No one has yet been convicted of Ms McKee’s murder.

Today, her family and partner Sara Canning gathered for a vigil at the spot on Fanad Drive where she was shot.

Speaking to Sky News, Ms Canning said the parade made the anniversary “much more difficult”, and said it showed “a lack of respect” for Ms McKee’s loved ones.

Easter travel: Disruption ‘nightmare’ as millions return from weekend getaways

Ukraine war: British men captured by Moscow’s forces appear on state TV and ask to be exchanged for pro-Russian oligarch

Westminster: Attempted murder arrest after police confronted by man armed with knife

“If they’d moved the date, I would never have said anything”, she said.

“But the fact that they’ve insisted on going ahead with this march, when they could’ve said out of respect for the McKee family, ‘we’ll move this to Easter Saturday, or Tuesday’, instead they’re going ahead with it, and acted if this is just A-OK.”

“It’s massive slap in the face, and hugely disrespectful.”

Ms McKee’s sister Nichola McKee Corner said that any show of paramilitary strength at today’s parade would “show them for what they really are and that is really it. The whole world will see them for what they truly are, and they will have done the police’s job for them”.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) says their investigation remains “very active” and have issued a fresh appeal for information ahead of the anniversary.

Three people have been charged with Ms McKee’s murder, and six others with related public-order offences. Thirty arrests have been made by police.

The family today echoed that appeal for information.

Ms Canning said that “we are still waiting for justice for Lyra. We’ve seen many arrests, many people charged, there are people charged with her murder, but none are of them are the person that pulled the trigger that night.

“I stood here that night beside her and I want that person to be behind bars. I want them to feel justice, and for us to get the peace of justice. It won’t bring Lyra back, it won’t do anything to help us in concrete terms, but just to know that they’re getting what they deserve.”

Ms McKee Corner said the killers had “taken away a precious human life. Our precious sister, Sara’s precious partner, and our mummy’s little baby. The person who has done this needs to be behind bars”.

Related posts:

Man facing eviction after feud with neighbours waited in their home before crossbow killing, inquest told Kent variant spreads easier but doesn’t make you sicker, say researchers ‘Am I going to die?’, injured teenager asked friend after Manchester Arena bomb blast Over 50s and clinically vulnerable to get second vaccine dose within eight weeks Crowds of Rangers fans gather for title celebrations despite warnings from police More than 20 million now fully vaccinated in UK after having both COVID jabs Plymouth shooting victim Lee Martyn ‘had kindest heart’ and young daughter Sophie ‘beautiful’ UK records 30,597 new cases and 201 deaths – with over 8,000 COVID patients in hospital Carlisle United limits fans in ground to 9,999 to avoid Plan B rules – despite not getting that many all season Star Hobson: ‘Evil’ bouncer who murdered partner’s child jailed for at least 25 years Football fans will keep going to matches ‘for as long as we’re allowed’ – despite COVID advice New ‘game-changing’ X-ray technology developed which can detect COVID-19 in minutes