Police in Northern Ireland have confirmed that any witnesses to the murder of Lyra McKee in Derry will be offered anonymity if they are called to give evidence in court.
The 29-year-old journalist was shot dead during riots in the Creggan area of the city on April 18th.
A group calling itself the New IRA has said it was responsible.
A reward of up to £10,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Following talks with the Northern Ireland Public Prosecution Service, the PSNI has now confirmed that anyone who comes forward will be offered anonymity.
“As a witness you may not be required to give evidence in court but if you are, we will request the maximum protection,” it said.
“This can include options such as anonymity, giving evidence by video link, from behind screens and with voice distortion.
“We have no intention of placing witnesses at risk.”
Investigators said they are looking for hard evidence about the gunman and his associates, “not rumour, not speculation, not gossip.”
Police said: “We need first hand evidence or camera footage to identify and bring the gunman and others who were involved in Lyra’s murder to justice.”
Anyone with any information is urged to contact police or to share details on the PSNI Major Incident Public Portal MIPP.police.uk.
