Woolwich attack and response in pictures
- Published
Drummer Lee Rigby of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers was killed outside Woolwich Barracks, where he was based. Witnesses said he was run over by a car that mounted the pavement and then attacked with knives. Warning: some of the following images are graphic in nature.
Michael Adebowale, one of two suspects in Drummer Rigby's murder, was photographed brandishing a knife at the scene of the crime, having made no attempt to flee. Cub scout leader Ingrid Loyau-Kennett said she had engaged the men in conversation to prevent them attacking others.
In video footage obtained by the Mirror, Michael Adebolajo could be seen charging at a police car as it arrived on the scene. He appeared to be shot at close range before collapsing on the road (centre-left). Adebowale was then also shot. Eight shots in total can be heard on the video footage.
After the confrontation, which was over in seconds, an air ambulance took one of the wounded suspects to hospital. Witnesses said Michael Adebowale appeared to be brandishing a gun at the police, when he was shot.
Cordons were set up on the streets around the crime scene as an investigation started.
Police scoured the area for evidence, here carrying out a fingertip search.
Forensic investigators continued to examine the scene as evening drew in.
Meanwhile, mourners began to pay tribute to Drummer Rigby by leaving flowers near to the scene of the crime.
A large numbers of bunches of flowers accumulated outside the Woolwich Barracks.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: "The people that did this were trying to divide us. They should know something like this will only bring us together and make us stronger." The attack was "not just an attack on Britain, and on the British way of life; it was also a betrayal of Islam and of the Muslim communities who give so much to this country", he added.
London Mayor Boris Johnson, responsible for oversight of the Metropolitan Police, attended the crime scene as the investigation continued. "We are going to bring the killers to justice," he had said earlier.
After the attack, the Metropolitan Police said 1,200 extra officers had been put on duty, and security at military bases had been stepped up.
Members of Drummer Rigby's family visited the scene of his murder on Sunday, adding to the many thousands of floral tributes which had been left in 25-year-old soldier's memory.
One poem among the tributes included the lines: "Sleep well young soldier, your job is done, Your war is over and your battle won."