Man held in Woolwich soldier murder hunt

The 42-year-old was held in north London this morning and is currently being questioned at a police station in south London, Scotland Yard said.

Searches are also being carried out at homes in north and east London as part of the ongoing investigation into Drummer Rigby’s death.

Manchester-born Drummer Rigby, 25, was hacked to death near Woolwich barracks in south east London on May 22.

The latest development in the investigation into his murder came as the father-of-one’s family said he would not have wanted violence to be carried out in his name.

In a statement issued through the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the soldier’s family, including mother and stepfather Lyn and Ian, wife Rebecca, 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 an inquest into Drummer Rigby’s death was opened and adjourned this morning.

During the brief hearing, Southwark Coroner’s Court heard the 25-year-old had been working at the Tower of London on the day he died.

The Queen also visited the barracks where he served and was due to meet personnel who co-ordinated the response to his death and those from his chain of command.

Fellow soldiers went to the scene to pay their own tribute. Members of 14 Regiment Royal Artillery left a card that said he is “lost but not forgotten”.

One fellow soldier described him as “a true hero” who had “paid the ultimate price”.

His death has sparked tensions in the local and wider community between political and religious groups.

This afternoon, religious leaders in Woolwich will gather at the Greenwich Islamic Centre after Friday prayers in a bid to encourage peace in the community.

In their statement, the soldier’s family urged people to keep calm and not use his name as an excuse to attack others.

“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 today the Queen is due to see the area on a visit to the base of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Woolwich.

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