Family of suspected killer tells of ‘shame’ over soldier’s death

Relatives of Michael Adebolajo, 28, released a statement sending their “heartfelt condolence” to Drummer Lee Rigby’s family and calling for condemnation for those who use religion for their own ends.

“Nothing we can say can undo the events of last week,” they said. “However, as a family, we wish to share with others our horror at the senseless killing of Lee Rigby, and express our profound shame and distress that this has brought to our family.

“We send our heartfelt condolence to Lee Rigby’s family and loved ones.”

Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, 22, who has now been discharged from hospital and moved to police custody, were shot by police after the soldier was hacked to death near Woolwich Barracks in south-east London last Wednesday.

The family statement added: “We wholeheartedly condemn all those who engage in acts of terror and fully reject any suggestion by them that religion or politics can justify this kind of violence.

“We unreservedly put out faith in the rule of law and with others fully expect that all the perpetrators will be brought to justice under the law of the land. And we pray for Lee Rigby’s soul to rest in peace, for the Lord to comfort his parents and loved ones and provide all of us affected the strength and fortitude to cope with this tragedy.

Both suspects were known to MI5, and it has emerged Adebolajo was arrested by Kenyan authorities who feared he was attempting to join militants linked to al-Qaida three years ago.

MPs on the Intelligence and Security Committee will investigate the security service’s operations and identify whether or not agencies fell short. It will also look at the impact of Government spending cuts on security services.

Since the 25-year-old soldier’s murder, detectives have arrested 10 people including a 50-year-old man, arrested in London on Monday, who was being questioned yesterday. Five other men have been released on bail, while two women, aged 29 and 31, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder were released without charge.

The brutal killing of the soldier, who had been serving with the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, has sparked increased activity by far right group the English Defence League (EDL).

More than 1,000 supporters marched to Downing Street chanting “Muslim killers off our streets” and “There’s only one Lee Rigby” on Monday. Yesterday four men were charged with various offences.

Charity Help for Heroes announced it would not accept any donations raised by the party’s leader Tommy Robinson. The charity will also check for any further donations from EDL members.

“It’s the same for any political party, we don’t allow political fund-raising,” a spokesman added. “As a charity, we’re non-political.”

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, has praised a Yorkshire mosque for the way it dealt with a different group of EDL protesters who organised a protest at a mosque in Bull Lane, York, on Sunday. Those who turned up were offered tea and biscuits and invited to play football.

Dr Sentamu said: “Tea, biscuits, and football are a great and typically Yorkshire combination when it comes to disarming hostile and extremist views.”

Trustees for the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, confirmed that Drummer Rigby’s name will be included in time for next year’s service of dedication.