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” and someone who would be “sorely missed by all who knew him”.
‘Senseless murder’
Drummer Rigby had taken up a post with the Regimental Recruiting Team in London in 2011.
“An experienced and talented side drummer and machine gunner, he was a true warrior and served with distinction in Afghanistan, Germany and Cyprus,” said 2nd Fusiliers commanding officer Lt Col Jim Taylor. “His ability, talent and personality made him a natural choice to work in the recruiting group.”
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.”
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.
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.”
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 college in 2001.
The BBC has uncovered its own footage of one of the alleged Woolwich attackers, taking part in an Islamist demonstration in April 2007 against the arrest of a man from Luton.
Mr Adebojalo can be seen standing in a crowd of men outside Paddington Green police station, holding a placard reading “Crusade Against Muslims”.
He is standing next to Anjem Choudary, who was the leader of al-Muhajiroun, a now-banned organisation.
Mr Choudary said Mr Adebojalo was previously associated with the group, but went his own way in around 2010.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission sent 12 investigators to look at the scene and its aftermath.
They have reviewed CCTV footage from a local authority camera, and saidtwo officers fired shots and one officer discharged a Taser.
One of the shot men received first aid from the firearms officers.
“At this stage we are not pursuing any criminal or misconduct offences,” said Commissioner Derrick Campbell.
Source: BBC
