Community tributes to soldier

Touching tributes continued to be paid to Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich today, as the community stood united in condemning the soldier’s brutal death.

Community tributes to soldier

Touching tributes continued to be paid to Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich today, as the community stood united in condemning the soldier’s brutal death.

A steady stream of well-wishers added to the hundreds of flowers left at the corner of John Wilson Street, where three days earlier the 25-year-old father-of-one was hacked to death by two suspected terrorists.

In one heartfelt tribute, a picture of Drummer Rigby with his son Jack was pinned to the railings, with the caption “Daddy and his little soldier! R.I.P Lee”.

Union and St George’s flags were draped among the flowers, while a number of Manchester United football shirts were on display to recognise Drummer Rigby’s lifelong support of the club.

Emotions were clearly still raw when a young woman broke down in tears as she arrived to see the mass of floral tributes.

The woman, wearing a green hoodie, sobbed and wiped tears from her eyes with a tissue as she read messages of condolence left for Drummer Rigby.

She was surrounded by more than a dozen friends and family members, many of whom appeared visibly upset.

The group left the scene after about 10 minutes without speaking to members of the press and walked towards Woolwich town centre.

Nigerian Kanbi Ojelade, 50, was among those paying their respects today, along with his two sons, Umran, 10, and Feranmi, 11, who both live in Woolwich.

Mr Ojelade, who lives in Colchester, said: “I brought them here to realise people are responsible for their freedom, safety, their welfare and development.

“The ultimate price anyone can pay is to give his life for others.”

Royal British Legion member Charles Clayton, 66, said he believed the Government could have done more to identify the terror suspects earlier.

“He shouldn’t be forgotten,” Mr Clayton said.

“It demonstrates the society we now live in. I blame the Government for allowing this to go unchecked which puts us all at risk.”

Scores of motorcyclists supporting the Help For Heroes charity rode past the scene this afternoon in a show of support for Drummer Rigby’s family.

A heavy police presence remained in Woolwich amid heightened fears of further attacks and an increase in anti-Muslim incidents following Drummer Rigby’s death.

A “solidarity march” by the Nigerian community took place this morning from Plumstead station to Woolwich town centre.

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