Date set for Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale to face trial for murder of Woolwich soldier Lee Rigby

Adebolajo is also accused of attempted murder of two police officers

Drummer Lee Rigby

The two men accused of murdering Drummer Lee Rugby in a brutal attack in Woolwich earlier this year will stand trial on 18 November, it has been decided.

Appearing via videolink at an Old Bailey hearing, Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, spoke only to confirm their names while legal representatives settled a date for the case.

Both men are charged with murdering Drummer Rigby outside a barracks in south London on 22 May while Adebolajo, whose arm was in a cast, faces further charges of attempting to murder two police officers and possession of a firearm with intent to cause others to believe that violence would be used.

The suspects, who have been remanded in Belmarsh prison until a further pre-trial hearing on 27 September, were flanked by security guards throughout the 20-minute proceedings.