A 52-year-old man has appeared in court in Northern Ireland charged with the murder of Lyra McKee.

The 29-year-old journalist was shot dead by in Derry while covering rioting in April last year.

Paul McIntyre, who is from Kinnego Park in Derry city, was arrested by PSNI detectives on Tuesday.

He was also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and professing to be a member of a proscribed organisation.

A defence lawyer told the court he is alleged to have committed a joint enterprise with an unknown gunman - by picking up the cases of the bullets used to kill Lyra McKee.

Protesters clashed with police as he appeared at Derry Magistrates Court earlier. Supporters cheered as he held his arms in the air and was led into court.

The New IRA has said it was responsible for the gunshot which killed the Ms McKee during riots in Creggan last April.

It said it was targeting members of the PSNI.

Speaking after Mr McIntyre’s arrest, PSNI Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said: "I have always said a number of individuals were involved with the gunman on the night Lyra was killed, and while today is significant for the investigation the quest for the evidence to bring the gunman to justice remains active and ongoing."

Police said he is one of a number of people subject to this ongoing murder investigation.

Lyra's family and friends sat in the public gallery for the hearing as the small crowd was closely monitored by police outside.

Mr McIntyre was remanded in custody and will appear in court again on February 27th.

Main image: File photo of Paul McIntyre who was charged with the murder of journalist Lyra McKee | Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire/PA Images