Soldier killed in violent attack in Woolwich named as Lee Rigby

The Ministry of Defence has named the young victim killed in the suspected terrorist attack in Woolwich yesterday (Wednesday 22 May) as 25-year-old Drummer Lee Rigby of 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

In a statement released on their website, the MoD announced the news:

"It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must announce that the soldier killed in yesterday's incident in Woolwich, South East London, is believed to be Drummer Lee Rigby of 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (attached to the Regimental Recruiting Team in London)."

Drummer Rigby's family issued a statement on Thursday (23 May). They said:

"Lee was lovely. He would do anything for anybody, he always looked after his sisters and always protected them. He took a 'big brother' role with everyone.

"All he wanted to do from when he was a little boy, was be in the Army.

"He wanted to live life and enjoy himself. His family meant everything to him. He was a loving son, husband, father, brother, and uncle, and a friend to many."

The MoD also paid respect to the young solider:

"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.

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

Drummer Lee Rigby, originally from Middleton in Greater Manchester and a father of a two-year-old son, Jack, was attacked by two men firstly with a car and then with knives in broad daylight yesterday afternoon. Police and government are treating the incident as a terrorist attack.

The two suspects were shot and arrested by police at the scene. They are being treated in hospital. One is understood to be in a serious condition.

One of the suspects has been named by news sources as 28-year-old Michael Adebolajo, believed to be a Muslim convert.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: "We are not going to be cowed by this kind of terrorist action."

"Everyone in defence is shocked and saddened by the events of yesterday," Mr 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."

Drummer RIgby's senior officers have each paid tribute to him. These tributes can be found on the MoD website at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/drummer-lee-rigby-killed-in-woolwich-incident