Family of murdered soldier urges calm

Drummer Rigby’s family, including his widow Rebecca, who is from Halifax, said the 25-year-old’s death had a devastating effect on them but they were amazed by the worldwide support they had received.

His family, including mother and stepfather Lyn and Ian and son Jack, said: “We would like to emphasise that Lee would not want people to use his name as an excuse to carry out attacks against others.”

The tribute, which expressed thanks for the “overwhelming” support they had received, came as the English Defence League said it would be holding “silent walks for Lee Rigby” in which they would lay flowers today at war memorials across the country, including in Leeds, Sheffield, Halifax, Scarborough, Doncaster, Rotherham and Huddersfield.

An EDL spokesman denied it was seeking to gain popularity off the back of a tragedy.

Detectives investigating the murder yesterday arrested a man, 42, in north London on suspicion of being involved in supplying illegal firearms. Searches were carried out at homes in north and east London.

The family’s appeal came as an inquest into Drummer Rigby’s death was opened and adjourned. Southwark Coroner’s Court heard the soldier had been working at the Tower of London on May 22, the day he died.

His death has sparked tensions between political and religious groups.

Yesterday the soldier’s family urged people not use his name as an excuse for violence.

“We would not wish any other families to go through this harrowing experience and appeal to everyone to keep calm and show their respect in a peaceful manner,” they said.

They said his death had a devastating effect on them but said the global support they received had been “truly staggering” and was giving them the strength to carry on.

The family said they were “deeply touched” after visiting Woolwich and thanked those who had given them time and space to pay their own tributes.

Hundreds of flowers have been tied to the railings near Woolwich barracks, where he was based, and yesterday the Queen visited the base of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Woolwich.

In a statement, Drummer Rigby’s family added: “We all loved Lee deeply and we know that he loved us – we all miss him so much.

“He was a fun-loving, approachable young man with a smile that always managed to light up a room. We have heard so many stories about him from so many people and they have brought us great comfort.

“Lee loved life and he loved people. He had many friends from different walks of life – some with different religious beliefs and cultures. But this made no difference to Lee – he always treated others with the greatest of respect.

“Finally, once again we would like to thank everyone for their support. It has been very much appreciated and it is helping us so much during these difficult times. Thank You.”

Drummer Rigby’s fiancée Aimee West, 22, has also released a brief tribute to him through Scotland Yard, saying: “I am extremely proud of him and I am moved by all the flowers and tributes, and that he has been remembered by the nation as the great man that he was.”

On Thursday Michael Adebowale, 22, appeared in court charged with the soldier’s murder. He is due to appear again at the Old Bailey on Monday.

Michael Adebolajo, who was arrested on suspicion of the killing, remains in hospital after being shot by police.