Timeline in Lee Rigby Woolwich murder case

Lee Rigby was murdered in Woolwich, south-east London (PA)

Here is a timeline of events concerning the brutal murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby in broad daylight in Woolwich, south-east London.

22 May

:: 2.20pm - Police respond to a "serious incident" in John Wilson Street following reports of an assault. London Air Ambulance is also called to the scene.

The incident happened 200 yards from the Royal Artillery Barracks, next to Woolwich Common, the historical home of the Royal Artillery.

:: London Ambulance Service confirms a man has been found dead at the scene, while two other men have been taken to hospital, one of them in a serious condition.

:: Witnesses confirm a man wearing a Help for Heroes T-shirt was attacked by two men with machete-style knives.

:: Prime Minister David Cameron describes the killing as "truly shocking" and asks the Home Secretary to chair a meeting of Cobra, the Government's emergency committee. He will cut short an official visit to Paris to return to the UK to co-ordinate the Government's response.

:: 6pm - Shocking footage emerges of a man wielding a bloodied meat cleaver at the scene moments after the attack, saying: "We swear by almighty Allah we will never stop fighting you."

:: Troops in London are advised in the immediate aftermath of the attack not to wear their uniforms outside their bases.

:: The two suspects are held in hospital, having been shot by officers at the scene, where they receive treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

23 May

:: Scotland Yard confirms the man killed was a serving soldier.

:: Speaking outside Downing Street after another Cobra meeting, Mr Cameron says: "The people who did this were trying to divide us. They should know something like this will only bring us together and make us stronger."

:: The Ministry of Defence names the victim as Fusilier Lee Rigby, of 2nd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

:: US president Barack Obama condemns the attack "in the strongest terms" and says there can be "absolutely no justification for such acts".

24 May

:: Further footage emerges of the moment the suspects were shot as they charged police officers at the scene.

:: Two men are arrested for making alleged offensive comments on Twitter about the murder.

:: The tearful family of Fusilier Rigby speak of their pride in him. His wife Rebecca and stepfather Ian fight back tears as they speak on behalf of the 25-year-old's family at a press conference at the Regimental HQ of his unit in Bury, Greater Manchester.

25 May

:: The BNP is accused of exploiting the death of Fusilier Rigby to further its "own poisonous ends" after the far right group announces plans to demonstrate in Woolwich.

:: Hundreds of wellwishers flock to pay their respects to the murdered soldier, leaving floral tributes near the scene.

:: Downing Street announces Mr Cameron is to launch a new terror taskforce to crack down on extremism.

26 May

:: Fusilier Rigby's family visit the scene of his murder.

27 May

:: Two people are arrested following a fire at an Islamic cultural centre in Grimsby, Lincolnshire.

:: It emerges Woolwich murder suspect Michael Adebolajo was arrested by Kenyan authorities three years before because they feared he was attempting to join an al Qaida-linked militant group.

:: Supporters of the English Defence League march through central London chanting "Muslim killers off our streets" and "There's only one Lee Rigby".

28 May

:: Michael Adebowale, 22, is discharged from hospital and taken into custody at a south London police station.

:: The family of Adebolajo express their "profound shame and distress" over the "senseless killing" and send their "heartfelt condolence" to Fusilier Rigby's relatives.

29 May

:: Four men are charged with various offences after Monday's EDL march on Downing Street.

:: A post-mortem examination of the murdered soldier establishes the cause of death was "multiple incised wounds".

:: The Crown Prosecution Service confirms Adebowale is to be charged with the murder of Fusilier Rigby.

30 May

:: Adebowale appears flanked by two police officers and two security guards in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court. He speaks only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the short hearing.

31 May

:: Adebolajo is discharged from hospital and taken into police custody.

1 June

:: Adebolajo is charged with the murder of Fusilier Rigby and possession of a firearm.

3 June

:: Adebolajo appears at Westminster Magistrates' Court where he asks to be referred to as Mujaahid Abu Hamza.

27 September

:: Adebolajo and Adebowale plead not guilty to murder.

19 December

:: Both defendants are found guilty of murder.