Police arrest 2 more in shooting death of N. Ireland journalist Lyra McKee

Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Authorities in Northern Ireland arrested two more people in the death two years ago of journalist Lyra McKee, officials said, bringing the total of suspects in the case to seven.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said two men were arrested in Derry under the nation's terrorism law. They are 24 and 29, they said.

McKee, 29, was shot dead while covering a riot in the Derry area in 2019. She was considered to be a rising journalist in Northern Ireland.

Authorities say three people have already been charged with McKee's death and two others face related charges. Police arrested four of them last week.

A court on Wednesday ruled that two of the suspects should be released on bail pending trial.

Another suspect, 53-year-old Paul McIntyre, has also been charged in McKee's death. He has denied involvement.

The arrests follow a two-year investigation into McKee's shooting, which shocked the country and spurred concerns about rising violence there.

The dissident New IRA claimed responsibility after McKee's death and apologized, saying the shooters were aiming at police officers during the riot in April 2019.

Earlier this year, the National Union of Journalists started a campaign in Northern Ireland that encouraged potential witnesses to come forward.