Murdered soldier was father of a two-year old boy

The British soldier murdered in Woolwich was a “true warrior” who had served with distinction in Afghanistan, according to his colleagues.

Drummer Lee Rigby (25), from Manchester, who served with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was a “dedicated and professional soldier”, his commanding officer, Lieut Col Jim Taylor, said.

Drummer Rigby, who joined the army in 2006, had served in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

A life-long Manchester United fan, he had also stood outside the royal palaces as part of his battalion’s public duties commitment.

A shocked and tearful neighbour outside the family home, a council house on the Langley estate in Greater Manchester, said: “He had always wanted to be in the army since he was knee high . . . He was a lovely lad.”

A steady stream of relatives and friends visited the house throughout the day to express condolences and support the family.

An army comrade, Sgt Barry Ward, said Drummer Rigby, known as “Riggers” within his platoon, was “a very bubbly character” and “a loving father” to his two-year-old son Jack.

“He was an excellent drummer, loved his job and was a highly popular member of the platoon.”

Sgt Ward added: “Once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier.” – (P A )