Funeral of Woolwich murder victim Lee Rigby underway
The funeral of murdered soldier Lee Rigby, who was killed in broad daylight in Woolwich in May, is getting under way in the UK.
Family were joined about 800 mourners, including Prime Minister David Cameron and the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.
The father-of-one, a drummer in the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (2RRF), was killed as he returned to Woolwich barracks from the Tower of London on May 22.
He had served in Afghanistan as a machine gunner and was attached to the regimental recruiting team when he was hacked to death in broad daylight on a street in south London.
The horrific killing led to nationwide shock and revulsion and led to an outpouring of support for his family from the public.
The family, who have been inundated with cards, letters and flowers in condolence from all over the country and abroad and from all faiths, wanted a private service with well-wishers asked to show their respects by lining the streets outside, where they will hear the service on loudspeakers from inside the church.
Lieutenant Col Taylor said the public’s support “meant the world” to him and his soldiers after the death of Fusilier Rigby.
"It means the world to us as a regiment to see the public support. I have been inundated with letters from around the country, around the world showing solidarity with us as a regiment and passing on sincere condolences, which has been deeply touching."
Fusilier Rigby's wife Rebecca, 30, walked in with the couple's two year-old son Jack, who wore a blue T-shirt with the words ``My Daddy My Hero'' on the back.
