Police investigating murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich arrest man on suspicion of supplying illegal firearms

Searches are being carried out at homes in north and east London as part of the ongoing investigation into the soldier's death

Police investigating the murder of soldier Drummer Lee Rigby have arrested a 42-year-old man on suspicion of supplying illegal firearms.

Searches are being carried out at homes in north and east London as part of the ongoing investigation into the soldier's death.

The latest arrest of a 42-year-old man, who is currently being questioned at a police station in south London, comes as an inquest into the death of the soldier opened and closed.

The Rigby family today made a statement saying that the soldier would not have wanted people to use his name as an excuse to attack others.

The family also said they were "deeply touched" after visiting Woolwich and thanked those who had given them time and space to pay their own tributes.

The Rector of Woolwich today launched a campaign calling for three women - dubbed the Angels of Woolwich - to be awarded bravery medals.

Ingrid Loyau-Kennett was thrust into the spotlight after calmly speaking to one of Drummer Rigby's attackers as he stood with bloodied hands still clutching a weapon.

Amanda Donnelly and her daughter Gemma Donnelly-Martin insisted on being allowed to sit with the soldier after his body had been dragged into the middle of the road.

Reverend Jesse van der Valk, rector of St. Mary Magdalene parish church in Woolwich, is leading calls for The George medal - awarded to civilians for acts of bravery - to be given to the women.

He has started a petition on the website change.org urging the Ministry of Defence to recognise their courage.

Mr Van der Valk said: "Last week's tragedy hit this community hard, but the actions of Gemma, Amanda and Ingrid have been an inspiration to all of us. Instead of running away when they saw danger they ran straight to the heart of it. The George medal would be a fitting recognition of their actions."

Yesterday, Michael Adebowale, 22, from Greenwich, appeared in court charged with Drummer Rigby's murder.

He is due to appear again at the Old Bailey on Monday.

A second man Michael Adebolajo, who was arrested on suspicion of the killing, remains in hospital after being shot by police in the wake of the death.