Ofcom investigates broadcasting of Lee Rigby footage

Flowers were laid along the street in Woolwich in tribute to Lee Rigby

TV watchdog Ofcom is investigating the broadcasting of footage from the scene of the murder of soldier Lee Rigby, after receiving about 700 complaints.

BBC News, 5 News, ITV News, Channel 4 News and Sky News are among the broadcasters being investigated for showing graphic pre-watershed images.

The footage showed a man holding a knife in his blood-covered hands, with a body on the ground behind.

Drummer Lee Rigby was hacked to death in Woolwich on 22 May.

The footage was filmed by a bystander on a mobile phone.

About half of the complaints were about ITV News, which was the first to broadcast the footage on its 18.30 BST bulletin on 22 May.

The regulator is looking into whether the broadcasters breached two rules.

The first rule states that children must be protected by appropriate scheduling from unsuitable material.

The second rule looks into whether broadcasting material which may cause offence is justified by the context.

This includes "the effect of the material on viewers or listeners who may come across it unawares".

Michael Adebolajo from Romford, and Michael Adebowale from Greenwich, have been charged with Lee Rigby's murder.