So sad: This is the soldier killed by Woolwich attackers (PICTURED)

Drummer Lee Rigby

The murdered soldier has been named as 25-year-old Drummer Lee Rigby.

The soldier killed in an attack on a London street has been named as Drummer Lee Rigby of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

Drummer Rigby, 25, from Manchester, leaves behind a two-year-old son.

Two men are under arrest in hospital after police shot them near Woolwich Barracks on Wednesday afternoon, in the aftermath of the attack.

The suspects, believed to include Michael Adebolajo, were known to security services, sources have said.

The victim’s name was announced by the Ministry of Defence pending formal police identification.

“An extremely popular and witty soldier, Drummer Rigby was a larger than life personality within the Corps of Drums and was well known, liked and respected across the Second Fusiliers,” the MoD statement said.

“He was a passionate and life-long Manchester United fan.”

He had joined the Army in 2006, and is described as a “loving father to his son Jack” who would be “sorely missed by all who knew him”.

Commanding officer Lt Col Jim Taylor said of Drummer Rigby: “An experienced and talented side drummer and machine gunner, he was a true warrior and served with distinction in Afghanistan, Germany and Cyprus.”

Capt Alan Williamson said: “Drummer Rigby or ‘Riggers’ as he was known within the platoon was a cheeky and humorous man, always there with a joke to brighten the mood.”

‘Served faithfully’

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: “This was a senseless murder of a soldier who has served the Army faithfully in a variety of roles including operational tours in Afghanistan.

“Our thoughts today are with his family and loved ones who are trying to come to terms with this terrible loss.”

Speaking earlier outside 10 Downing Street, Prime Minister David Cameron said the attacks were “solely and purely” the responsibility of the individuals involved.

Graphic footage from ITV News shows a man with bloodied hands making political statements

Mr Hammond was asked if the attack showed how vulnerable soldiers were, whether they were in uniform or not.

He replied: “I think it reminds us how vulnerable we all are, but it also reminds us, by the response of the public, that we are not going to be cowed by this kind of terrorist action.”

In other developments:

  • The Metropolitan Police said police officers arrived within nine minutes of the first 999 call and armed officers were there within 14 minutes
  • An increased police presence will be in Woolwich and the surrounding areas through Thursday night and “as long as needed”, Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Crime and Operations Mark Rowley said
  • Properties in Greenwich and Saxilby, Lincolnshire, have been searched in connection with the attack
  • With dozens of witnesses to the killing, police are urging them to contact the Met’s anti-terrorism hotline with information

Chief of Defence Staff General Sir David Richards said: “It’s always a tragedy, it’s particularly poignant that it happened on the streets of this capital city of ours.

“We’re absolutely determined not to be intimated into not doing the right thing – whether it’s here in this country or in Afghanistan or wherever we seek to serve the nation.”

Man at scene of Woolwich incident
This man was photographed brandishing a knife

Security at Woolwich Barracks and others in London has been increased, and Gen Richards said: “I’m confident that base security is as tight as it’s every been, and necessarily so.

“It’s a very difficult balancing act. We are very proud of the uniform we wear, we have huge support around the country, this is a completely isolated incident.”

Shortly after the killing a man, thought to be 28-year-old Mr Adebolajo, was filmed by a passer-by, saying he carried out the attack because British soldiers killed Muslims every day.

Sources said reports the men had featured in “several investigations” in recent years – but were not deemed to be planning an attack – “were not inaccurate”.

According to BBC sources, Mr Adebolajo, a Briton of Nigerian descent, comes from a devout Christian family but took up Islam after leaving Lee Rigby named as Woolwich victimcollege in 2001.

David Cameron
Prime Minister David Cameron said: “We will never give in to terror or terrorism in any of its forms.”
Women carry flowers
Well-wishers brought flowers to the scene of the crime to pay tribute to the victim of the attack.
Police lay floral tributes
The floral tributes were placed near to the scene of the attack.
Police carry out a fingertip search
Meanwhile, police officers continued to scour the area for evidence.
Flowers outside the Royal Artillery Barracks at Woolwich
Floral tributes have also been left outside the Royal Artillery Barracks at Woolwich.
A helicopter landing in Woolwich, south London.
An air ambulance arrived at the scene in the immediate aftermath of the incident in Woolwich.
A scene from a street in Woolwich
Passers-by witnessed the events unfolding on Wednesday afternoon.

BBC defence correspondent Caroline Wyatt said that since British forces intervened in Iraq and Afghanistan, they and their families have been well aware they might be targets at home.

At least two plots by Islamist extremists to kill soldiers in the UK have been foiled in recent years.

Map of area

Are you in the area? Did you witness anything? Please get in touch using the form below.

Read more: BBC

Comments (5)

  1. The beheading was done by a British citizen and not a Nigerian as speculated, his name does not confirm his nationality.

    This lunatic was born in the United Kingdom, never been to nigeria, issued a birth certificate in the UK and held a British passport.

    Suddenly he is now a Nigerian?……

    This guy is not a Nigerian

    British born Michael ‘Mujahid’ Adeboloja with an accomplice yesterday beheaded a British Soldier on a street in Woolwich, London.

    Because he is not Gabriel Agbonlahor playing for Aston Villa and Three Lions, or Andrew Osagie, UK’s reigning 800m champion, or Lawrence Okoye, British Discus Record Holder (68.24m), or Abiodun oyepitan, British Olympic Silver and Gold Medalist, or Christine Ohuruogu, Beijing Olympic British Gold Medalist, or Eniola Aluko, British Olympic Female Football star, or Temi Fagbenle British Olympic Basketball queen, or several other thousands of British citizens with Nigerian connection who are making the country proud, it is being made to look like Nigeria has “shown itself again” in the action of that British boy who beheaded a soldier yesterday.

    Nigeria should just be left out of this.
    Pls pass on to educate the ignorant ones. GOD BLESS NIGERIA!

  2. I don’t know why they say d guy is nigerian.that’s the problem I have with this.that guy is a briton,born and raised in britain.what’s with the nigeria thing..leave naija out of it.pleeeaaase

  3. Barbarians,murderers they are doing the same to our dear country. Kill them all. Show them no mercy.

  4. what is the problem with the aera

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

cool good eh love2 cute confused notgood numb disgusting fail