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Court told murder accused linked to McKee scene by clothing

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Lyra McKee died after being hit by a bullet while observing rioting in 2019

Three men accused of the murder of Lyra McKee have been linked to the scene by clothing and physical features, a court has heard.

The Belfast journalist, 29, died after being hit by a bullet as she stood close to police vehicles while observing rioting in the Creggan area of Co Derry on 18 April 2019.

The New IRA claimed responsibility for the death.

Three men from Derry - 37-year-old Peter Cavanagh, of Mary Street, 25-year-old Jordan Gareth Devine, of Bishop Street, and 58-year-old Paul McIntyre, of Kells Walk - have been charged with her murder.

They are also facing other charges connected to the shooting and rioting.

Six other Derry men are on trial on charges including rioting and throwing petrol bombs.

They are: 37-year-old Joseph Patrick Barr, of Sandringham Drive, 28-year-old Jude Forest Coffey, of Gartan Square, 25-year-old Joseph Anthony Campbell, of Gosheden Cottages, 33-year-old Patrick Anthony Gallagher, of John Field Place, 45-year-old Christopher Joseph Gillen, of Balbane Pass and 57-year-old Kieran George McCool, of Ballymagowan Gardens.

Another man accused of rioting and throwing petrol bombs on the night of the murder died during trial proceedings last year.

(L-R) Jordan Devine, Peter Cavanagh and Paul McIntyre are charged with Lyra McKee's murder

The defendants filled the dock at Belfast Crown Court while the prosecution summed up their case against them.

Ms McKee's sister Nichola was among those in the public gallery watching.

Prosecuting barrister David McDowell KC said forensic image analyst Andrew Wooller identified 19 individuals by height, build, clothing and trainers who appeared to be involved in the disorder.

He said Mr Cavanagh, Mr Devine and Mr McIntyre, as well as Mr Campbell and Mr Gillen, can be linked to the scene on 18 April by an analysis of imagery gathered, which includes footage filmed by an MTV crew on the day of the shooting.

Mr McDowell also contended that those involved in rioting in the area on 16 and 18 April "displayed forensic awareness" by burning clothing.

He noted a number of missing items of clothing associated with defendants that were not discovered during searches, nor have been produced since, suggesting, he added, that they had been "deliberately disposed of".

He described this as an "important strand in this case".

The trial continues.