Woolwich attacks: Suspect's family expresses 'profound shame and distress' over soldier's murder

Drummer Lee Rigby

Relatives of the Woolwich murder suspect Michael Adebolajo yesterday expressed their “heartfelt condolence” to the family of the soldier victim – insisting there was no place for violence in the name of religion.

In an impassioned statement, the family expressed their “profound shame and distress” over the killing of Lee Rigby.

“We wish to state openly that we believe that there is no place for violence in the name of religion or politics,” they said. “We believe all right-thinking members of society share this view wherever they were born and whatever their religion and political beliefs.

“We wholeheartedly condemn all those who engage in acts of terror and fully reject any suggestion by them that religion or politics can justify this kind of violence.

“We unreservedly put out faith in the rule of law and with others fully expect that all the perpetrators will be brought to justice under the law of the land.

“And we pray for Lee Rigby’s soul to rest in peace, for the Lord to comfort his parents and loved ones and provide all of us affected the strength and fortitude to cope with this tragedy.”

The statement was delivered as the other of two suspects shot at the scene after Mr Rigby was killed in Woolwich last Wednesday was released from hospital and moved into police custody. Michael Adebowale, 22, had been in hospital since last Wednesday. He and Adebolajo, 28, were arrested on suspicion of murdering the soldier, but could not be questioned until their release from hospital, where they were being treated for bullet wounds.

Separately, counter-terrorism officers have been deployed to investigate an attack on two prison officers at a maximum-security jail. A male warder was left with a broken cheekbone after being held hostage by three male prisoners, two aged 25 and one aged 26.

The North East Counter Terrorism Unit has been called in to lead the investigation into the incident at HMP Full Sutton in Yorkshire amid reports that the inmates were Muslims inspired by the killing of Mr Rigby.

* Grimsby Islamic Cultural Centre was attacked for the second time in three days on Sunday while a family was inside. Stuart Harness, 33, and Gavin Humphries, 37, both of Grimsby, were arrested in connection with the incident and charged with arson with intent to endanger life, and denied bail.