Woolwich Suspects Taken into Custody, Victim Identified, Family Mourns, Pays Tribute
The British soldier hacked to death in the streets of Woolwich has been identified. Lee Rigby was a 25-year-old father. He went to war in Afghanistan and fought the Talibans according to the Ministry of Defense.
Rigby was brutally attacked by two men just outside the military barracks in Woolwich. He was a machine-gunner and was part of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Rigby also played the drums in the military band. They served in Cyprus, Germany and Afghanistan. He was assigned back in the London during the time of his death. Rigby was from Manchester around north-west England.
The suspects were taken to the hospital while the police took two more in custody. Rigby's alleged attackers are still in the hospital, while two more, a man and a woman, were arrested. The police took the two suspects on the accusation they also conspired to murder the soldier.
One of the suspects, the young man who appeared right in front of ITV waving the knives and his bloodied hands was identified as Michael Adebolajo. He is 28 years old and a resident of London. Reports indicate Adebolajo came from a Nigerian family. Later on, he converted to Muslim.
"When I went up there was this black guy with a revolver and a kitchen knife, he had what looked like butcher's tools and he had a little axe, to cut the bones, and two large knives and he said 'Move off the body'." ABC quoted Cub Scout leader Ingrid Loyau-Kennett.
Adebolajo and the other suspect are in stable conditions now after police shot them on the crime scene. They remain in the hospital under armed guard. Reports say the two other suspects are both 29 years old. Police searched several properties around London and another community in eastern England before announcing taking two more into custody. Investigations are ongoing about the said murder conspiracy.
Family Mourns and Pays Tributes to Rigby
The family of slain soldier Lee Rigby issued a statement saying he was a self-sacrificing person and father. As his family say, Rigby "would do anything for anybody". According to the Ministry of Defense, his colleagues describe him as "an extremely popular and witty soldier." The Ministry also said Rigby was "larger than life ... was well known, liked and respected across the 2nd Fusiliers", ABC quoted.
He has a two-year-old son named Jack. Sympathies and support for the family came pouring for Rigby's family after he was identified. Colleagues described the solider as someone who had a great sense of humor and was always bubbly. Lieutenant Colonel Jim Taylor, his commanding officer, described Rigby as a "true warrior."
The 25 year old soldier was popular as 'Riggers' or 'Drummer Rigby.' Captain Allan Williamson said he would always joke around and brighten people's moods.
The government dispatched hundreds of police across London streets after the attack. Protests started condemning the death of the solider. Prime Minister David Cameron urged people to remain calm and continue with their normal lives despite the attack.