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Military and public line streets to pay tribute to murdered Woolwich soldier Lee Rigby ahead of funeral

Drummmers from the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers drum the cortege as coffin is taken to Bury church for overnight vigil

Steve Anderson
Friday 12 July 2013 16:17 BST
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Drummers from the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers today drummed the cortege
Drummers from the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers today drummed the cortege (PA)

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The body of the soldier killed in a vicious knife attack in Woolwich in May has been escorted to his regiment's garrison church for a vigil before his funeral tomorrow.

Fusilier Lee Rigby, 25, from Greater Manchester, was killed on the street as he returned to his barracks in south east London from the Tower of London on 22 May.

His loved ones will gather around the coffin this evening as comrades at arms keep a guard of honour overnight at Bury Parish Church in Greater Manchester.

Drummers from the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers today drummed the cortege, past soldiers of the Regiment lining the route to the church, where the vigil begins later this afternoon.

Fusilier Rigby will be borne into church and a short ceremony will take place attended by his family.

The honour guard will remain with Fusilier Rigby's body overnight inside the church, which was the garrison church for the Lancashire Fusiliers and colours of the Regiment hang proudly from their pikes around the walls of the nave.

Prime Minister David Cameron this week told the Commons the whole of the UK will be mourning with Fusilier Rigby's family and friends at his funeral.

The family's wishes are for a private military funeral with the public and media asked to pay their respects outside the church, with the service broadcast to those outside on loudspeakers.

Greater Manchester Police and Bury Council have closed roads designated for well-wishers wanting to pay their respects by lining the streets.

A book of condolence is open for signing at The Fusilier Museum in Bury.

Fusilier Rigby's funeral will take place at the church at 11am tomorrow followed by a private interment.

The father of one had served in Afghanistan and was attached to the regimental recruiting team when he was hacked to death in broad daylight on a street in south London.

Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, have been charged with the murder of Fusilier Rigby and are due to stand trial at the Old Bailey on November 18.

They will appear at the same court for a plea and case management hearing on September 27.

Video: Family of Lee Rigby attend his funeral

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