The soldier murdered in a terrorist attack in Woolwich has been named as Drummer Lee Rigby, a "loving father" to his two-year-old son.
The 25-year-old, of 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was killed near the Royal Artillery Barracks in front of shocked onlookers.
He was described as an "extremely popular and witty soldier", who had a "larger than life personality" and was a passionate, lifelong Manchester United fan.
Witnesses said two attackers set upon him with a number of weapons, including knives and a meat cleaver, while they shouted the name of "Allah".
They were shot by police and arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder.
Two other people - a 29-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman - were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, following raids in London and Lincolnshire.
Tributes to Drummer Rigby, affectionately known as 'Riggers', each ended with the message: "Once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier."
Lieutenant Colonel Jim Taylor, Commanding Officer of the Second Fusiliers, described him as a "true warrior" who served with distinction in Afghanistan.
"Drummer Rigby was a dedicated and professional soldier," he said. "He was a real character within the Second Fusiliers. Larger than life, he was at the heart of our Corps of Drums."
"Riggers was what every battalion needs," added Warrant Officer Ned Miller, Regimental Sergeant Major of the Second Fusiliers. "He was one of the Battalion's great characters - always smiling and always ready to brighten the mood."
Sky News understands Drummer Rigby, from Manchester, had served two tours in Afghanistan, the latest of which was in 2009.
His battalion is currently training in Cyprus but he was on attachment to the London headquarters as a recruiter.
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said everyone had been "shocked and saddened" by Drummer Rigby's death.
"This was a senseless murder of a soldier who has served the army faithfully in a variety of roles including operational tours in Afghanistan," he said.
"Our thoughts today are with his family and loved ones who are trying to come to terms with this terrible loss."
General Sir David Richards, chief of defence staff, added: "Our first thoughts are with the soldier's family and close friends.
"It's always a tragedy but it's particularly poignant that it happened on the streets of our capital city."
One of the men arrested at the scene has been identified as Michael Adeboloja, a 28-year-old Londoner of Nigerian descent.
He and the other suspect, aged 22, are being held under armed guard at separate hospitals in London.
They were both known to the security services but were assessed by MI5 as not posing a threat requiring "immediate intervention", Government sources said.
The 25-year-old, of 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was killed near the Royal Artillery Barracks in front of shocked onlookers.
He was described as an "extremely popular and witty soldier", who had a "larger than life personality" and was a passionate, lifelong Manchester United fan.
Witnesses said two attackers set upon him with a number of weapons, including knives and a meat cleaver, while they shouted the name of "Allah".
They were shot by police and arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder.
Two other people - a 29-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman - were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, following raids in London and Lincolnshire.
Tributes to Drummer Rigby, affectionately known as 'Riggers', each ended with the message: "Once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier."
Lieutenant Colonel Jim Taylor, Commanding Officer of the Second Fusiliers, described him as a "true warrior" who served with distinction in Afghanistan.
"Drummer Rigby was a dedicated and professional soldier," he said. "He was a real character within the Second Fusiliers. Larger than life, he was at the heart of our Corps of Drums."
"Riggers was what every battalion needs," added Warrant Officer Ned Miller, Regimental Sergeant Major of the Second Fusiliers. "He was one of the Battalion's great characters - always smiling and always ready to brighten the mood."
Sky News understands Drummer Rigby, from Manchester, had served two tours in Afghanistan, the latest of which was in 2009.
His battalion is currently training in Cyprus but he was on attachment to the London headquarters as a recruiter.
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said everyone had been "shocked and saddened" by Drummer Rigby's death.
"This was a senseless murder of a soldier who has served the army faithfully in a variety of roles including operational tours in Afghanistan," he said.
"Our thoughts today are with his family and loved ones who are trying to come to terms with this terrible loss."
General Sir David Richards, chief of defence staff, added: "Our first thoughts are with the soldier's family and close friends.
"It's always a tragedy but it's particularly poignant that it happened on the streets of our capital city."
One of the men arrested at the scene has been identified as Michael Adeboloja, a 28-year-old Londoner of Nigerian descent.
He and the other suspect, aged 22, are being held under armed guard at separate hospitals in London.
They were both known to the security services but were assessed by MI5 as not posing a threat requiring "immediate intervention", Government sources said.
Source : SkyNews
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