British Soldier Hacked To Death In Street By Radicals

[bootleultras]

A sad story, I dont know what to say when a member of the military is brutally murdered for apparently wearing a charity t shirt supporting the heroes, otherrwise known as our armed forces.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22630303

A man has been killed in a machete attack and two suspects shot and wounded by police in Woolwich, south-east London.

The Met Police said a murder inquiry was being led by its Counter Terrorism Command. Prime Minister David Cameron said the UK would "never buckle" in the face of terror attacks.

Footage has emerged showing a man wielding a bloodied meat cleaver and making political statements.

Police confirmed two men had been arrested in connection with the murder.

There are unconfirmed reports that the dead man was a soldier.

This man was photographed brandishing a knife and speaking to a woman at the scene

Both French President Francois Hollande and MP Nick Raynsford said the dead man had been a soldier at Woolwich barracks.

The footage shown on the ITV website shows a man, speaking to the camera, saying: "We must fight them as they fight us. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth."

He added: "I apologise that women have had to witness this today, but in our land our women have to see the same. You people will never be safe. Remove your government, they don't care about you."

In developments since the attack, in John Wilson Street, the A205, at 14:20 BST:

Both shot men were taken to hospital, one by air ambulance

One of the men is in a serious condition, the other is also being treated for injuries

A crowd of 100 - including members of the English Defence League - gathered in Woolwich town centre and were met with a heavy police presence including officers wearing riot gear

The Daily Telegraph has spoken to a woman it says was pictured confronting one of the men; cub scout leader Ingrid Loyau-Kennett said she tried to persuade him to hand over his weapons

Mr Cameron, who had been planning to stay in Paris overnight after meeting the French president, has returned to Downing Street

In a joint press conference, Mr Hollande said he wanted to express his solidarity with the UK after the "murder of a British soldier", but Mr Cameron did not confirm the victim had been a serviceman

At a meeting of the government's emergency response committee, Cobra, it was decided to tighten security at Woolwich and other barracks in London

The Ministry of Defence said it was urgently looking into reports the incident had involved a soldier

Another Cobra meeting will be held on Thursday morning, chaired by Mr Cameron

Home Secretary Theresa May said she had been briefed by the director general of Security Service MI5, Andrew Parker, and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe on the "sickening and barbaric" attack.

Mr Cameron said Britain had faced "these sort of attacks", adding: "We will never buckle in the face of them.

"People across Britain, people in every community, I believe, will utterly condemn this attack."

He expressed sympathy for the victim and his family, saying: "It is the most appalling crime. We are obviously seeking, and the police are urgently seeking, the full facts about this case."

One witness, identified only as James, said two men had attacked another man, aged about 20, who was wearing a T-shirt of military charity Help for Heroes.

"These two guys were crazed. They were just animals. They dragged him from the pavement and dumped his body in the middle of the road and left his body there," he told LBC radio.

He said after the "horrendous" attack, the two men, who were also in their 20s, stood around, waving knives and a gun, and asked people to take pictures of them "as if they wanted to be on TV or something".

Continue reading the main story

Analysis

Dominic Casciani

Home affairs correspondent

The case for this being a jihadist attack, following the ideology of al-Qaeda, is compelling - even if the police won't yet say so officially.

If it is, then it would be the first such incident leading to a death of someone other than the perpetrator since the 2005 London suicide bombings.

So the first task for ministers and officials is to assess the threat to the public - are other attacks planned?

The official terrorism threat level is currently "substantial", which means an attack is "a strong possibility".

If officials raise the level to "severe", that would mean they fear another attack is highly likely.

If the victim is indeed a soldier, then that will be no surprise to security chiefs.

Jihadists believe they are at war with the military because of its role in the Afghanistan conflict and elsewhere.

The UK has previously uncovered three plots linked to possible terror attacks on the armed forces, including a cell in 2007 which planned to kidnap and behead a soldier in an Iraq-style hostage video.

Read more from Dominic

"They were oblivious to anything, they were more worried about having their photo taken, running up and down the road," he said.

Witness Graham Wilders told the BBC he had arrived on the scene to find a car crashed into a wall and a man on the ground.

"Two people were lying over him and I thought they were trying to resuscitate him," he said.

But Mr Wilders said he had driven on to park his car, and when he had returned another witness had told him the two men had been stabbing the man on the ground.

Thomas, another witness who contacted the BBC, said: "I got there minutes after it happened because you could hear gunshots from Woolwich High Street.

"Basically two men carried out an axe attack on a young army cadet walking along the street, by the looks of things the police responded and then shot them in front of the public, at the same time I couldn't really tell if the cadet was fatally or not hurt as police were crowded around him."

According to senior Whitehall sources the people carrying out the attack were heard to say: "Allahu Akbar [God is Great]", BBC political editor Nick Robinson reported.

Met Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe said it was "hard to comprehend the shocking and horrific scenes we have seen this afternoon on a busy street as Londoners went about their day as normal".

He said officers would "work tirelessly to uncover why this occurred and who was responsible".

On Twitter, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson described the attack as a "sickening deluded and unforgivable act of violence".

Buckingham Palace says the Queen is concerned at the news of the attack and is being kept informed.

Help for Heroes said the charity was "appalled to hear that a man, believed to be a serving soldier, has been brutally murdered in Woolwich today".

The Muslim Council of Britain said in a statement: "This is a truly barbaric act that has no basis in Islam and we condemn this unreservedly. Our thoughts are with the victim and his family."

School lock-down

Mr Raynsford, the Woolwich and Greenwich MP, said he had spoken to local police and understood a number of weapons had been seized at the scene including a gun, knives, and a machete.

Metropolitan Police Commander Simon Letchford said two alleged attackers had been shot by officers.

He said: "Police were called to reports of an assault... where one man was being assaulted by two other men. A number of weapons were reportedly being used in the attack, and this included reports of a firearm.

"Officers including local Greenwich officers arrived at the scene, and shortly after firearms officers arrived on the scene.

Joe Tallant, eyewitness: "They wanted to get caught"

"On their arrival at the scene they found a man, who was later pronounced dead.

"Two men, who we believe from early reports to have been carrying weapons, were shot by police. They have both been taken to separate London hospitals. They are receiving treatment for their injuries.

"I can understand that this incident will cause community concerns and I would like to reiterate that we are investigating the circumstances."

Meanwhile, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) confirmed it had been informed.

David Dixon, a local head teacher, told the BBC News Channel he walked out of the school gates and saw a body lying in the road a short distance away.

He then heard gunshots and instructed staff to lock all the gates of his school.

An air ambulance landed in the playground and the children were sent home.

[johnb]

Heart Breaking, what has happened to my country?

[Mike S]

The same thing that has or will happen to any country that allows these pampered radicals to do what ever they want in the name of a so called religion .... yea right .... and the sad part is they are winning the war as to many countries are remaining politically correct instead of attacking the problem head on ..... oh well ..... JMHO .... :cheersty:  

[lyno 47]

Mike S that's just not your IMHO its a lot of people.We have to stop pussy footing around with these  morons and start getting serious.If we don't start showing that this is not acceptable,it will just continue to keep getting out of hand.cheers

[johnb]

Just read from the BBC news site, that the soldier murdered Lee Rigby was from my old Regiment, RIP.

Woolwich attack: Lee Rigby named as victim

The murdered soldier has been named as 25-year-old Drummer Lee Rigby

Continue reading the main story

Woolwich attack

• Updates and reaction
• Killed soldier was 'loving father'
• Security services knew suspects
• The ordinary and the extreme

The soldier killed in an attack in London has been named as Drummer Lee Rigby of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

Drummer Rigby, 25, from Manchester, leaves behind a two-year-old son.

Two suspects shot by police after Wednesday's attack in Woolwich remain under arrest. A further two people have been arrested on conspiracy to murder.

The suspects, one of whom is said to be Islamist protester Michael Adebolajo, were known to security services.

Scotland Yard said the latest arrests were of a man and woman, both aged 29.

Drummer Rigby's family issued a statement on Thursday, saying: "Lee was lovely. He would do anything for anybody, he always looked after his sisters and always protected them. He took a 'big brother' role with everyone.

"All he wanted to do from when he was a little boy, was be in the Army.

"He wanted to live life and enjoy himself. His family meant everything to him. He was a loving son, husband, father, brother, and uncle, and a friend to many."

'Popular and witty'

A post-mortem examination was being carried out on Thursday.

The Ministry of Defence also paid tribute to Drummer Rigby.

"An extremely popular and witty soldier, Drummer Rigby was a larger than life personality within the Corps of Drums and was well known, liked and respected across the Second Fusiliers.

"He was a passionate and life-long Manchester United fan."

Drummer Rigby, from Middleton, Greater Manchester, joined the Army in 2006. He was described as a "loving father to his son Jack" and someone who would be "sorely missed by all who knew him".

In other developments:

• The two suspects who were shot remain in separate London hospitals in stable conditions with non-life-threatening injuries
• Video footage, obtained by the Daily Mirror, has emerged of the moment the two men were shot by police
• Six residential addresses are being searched: three in south London, one in east London, one in north London and one in Lincoln
• Items were recovered from the Woolwich scene, police said
• An increased police presence will be in Woolwich and the surrounding areas through Thursday night and "as long as needed", Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Crime and Operations Mark Rowley said
• With dozens of witnesses to the killing, police are urging them to contact the Met's anti-terrorism hotline with information
• US President Barack Obama says his country "stands resolute with the United Kingdom, our ally and friend, against violent extremism and terror"
• Military charity Help for Heroes said since the attack people had been "spontaneously showing support for the armed forces"
• Two men have been charged with separate attacks on mosques, in Kent and Essex, after the death of the soldier

'Senseless murder'

Drummer Rigby had taken up a post with the Regimental Recruiting Team in London in 2011.

"An experienced and talented side drummer and machine gunner, he was a true warrior and served with distinction in Afghanistan, Germany and Cyprus," said his commanding officer Lt Col Jim Taylor.

 

 

"His ability, talent and personality made him a natural choice to work in the recruiting group."

Capt Alan Williamson said: "Drummer Rigby or 'Riggers' as he was known within the platoon was a cheeky and humorous man, always there with a joke to brighten the mood."

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: "This was a senseless murder of a soldier who has served the Army faithfully in a variety of roles including operational tours in Afghanistan.

"Our thoughts today are with his family and loved ones who are trying to come to terms with this terrible loss."

Mr Hammond was asked if the attack showed how vulnerable soldiers were, whether they were in uniform or not.

He replied: "I think it reminds us how vulnerable we all are, but it also reminds us, by the response of the public, that we are not going to be cowed by this kind of terrorist action."

Chief of Defence Staff General Sir David Richards said: "It's always a tragedy, it's particularly poignant that it happened on the streets of this capital city of ours.

"We're absolutely determined not to be intimated into not doing the right thing - whether it's here in this country or in Afghanistan or wherever we seek to serve the nation."

 

 

information taken from BBC News  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22644857

Edited May 23, 2013 by johnb

[sonjack2847]

Each country should kick these peace loving radicals back to where they came from they have no place in a civilised society. I want to say a lot more but would get banned from here.

[SubicSteve]

Heart Breaking, what has happened to my country?

 

 

Your country is gone.  Sad to say.  There is no turning it back.  Same goes for Sweden and any other country that begs to have these ingrates brought in to their country.  

Edited May 24, 2013 by MikeB
Removed inappropriate comment

[Jake]

Just read from the BBC news site, that the soldier murdered Lee Rigby was from my old Regiment, RIP.

Woolwich attack: Lee Rigby named as victim

 

Thank you JohnB for posting a photo of this fine young man.  If I may, I would like to elaborate about

his background and accomplishments.  It's one of my ways to pay respect and try to remove my anger

boiling inside me.  A statement from his commanding officer:

 

He  was a dedicated and professional soldier. He was a real character within the Larger than life, he was at the heart of our Corps of Drums. An experienced and talented side drummer and machine gunner, he was a true warrior and served with distinction in Afghanistan, Germany and Cyprus.

 

 

I found it very interesting about the deep sense of patriotism within The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

I am sadden that you lost another fellow warrior, JohnB.  You guys went to hell and back serving the

Queen of Britain and more importantly, served with distinction and courage among your fellow brothers

in arms.  Your display photo has more significance now.

 

My deepest condolence to you sir, respectfully -- Jake

Edited May 24, 2013 by Jake
spill chek

[i am bob]

I salute Mr Rigby and honour his final contribution in his chosen profession of protecting his Queen and Country from zealots such as these who shamelessly took his life.  As a former military member, I can understand that sometimes it is the loss of an unexpected battle that can produce more good in the overall scheme of life.  

 

I just want to remind everyone that this is a crime that is committed by a group of that disguises themselves as fanatical members of a religion.  The operative word here is disguise - even though they scream their proclamations, they fail in practise of the teachings they claim to follow.  Here in Canada, we have had our own little bit of terrorist activity that was broken up by the RCMP and CSIS before it could take unfold.  The actual source of the tips and other information given to the authorities?  Would you believe they came from the Muslim community here in Canada?  And much of the information gathered in this grave war on terror comes from this same community throughout the world.  So, please, let's not put down an entire religion because of a group of fanatical idiots who use it as an excuse to cause terror.  These fanatics and zealots are not true representatives of their professed religious beliefs but rather more like those of who produced the Holocaust during WW2.

[johnb]

 

Just read from the BBC news site, that the soldier murdered Lee Rigby was from my old Regiment, RIP.

Woolwich attack: Lee Rigby named as victim

 

Thank you JohnB for posting a photo of this fine young man.  If I may, I would like to elaborate about

his background and accomplishments.  It's one of my ways to pay respect and try to remove my anger

boiling inside me.  A statement from his commanding officer:

 

He  was a dedicated and professional soldier. He was a real character within the Larger than life, he was at the heart of our Corps of Drums. An experienced and talented side drummer and machine gunner, he was a true warrior and served with distinction in Afghanistan, Germany and Cyprus.

 

2nd FUSILIERS.jpg

 

I found it very interesting about the deep sense of patriotism within The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

I am sadden that you lost another fellow warrior, JohnB.  You guys went to hell and back serving the

Queen of Britain and more importantly, served with distinction and courage among your fellow brothers

in arms.  Your display photo has more significance now.

 

My deepest condolence to you sir, respectfully -- Jake

 

 

 

To add to Jakes post, A you tube piece on the corps of Drums. 

 

 

And another SKY news report  showing Lee Rigby's regiment in Afghanistan  RIP

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXux0i3DmpQ&list=PLA129EBED7398BE7E

Edited May 24, 2013 by johnb