Family of murdered soldier pays emotional tribute
Video report by ITV News correspondent Damon Green
The family of murdered soldier Lee Rigby paid an emotional tribute to him on Friday as detectives continued a rapidly-developing investigation into his killing.
Relatives of Drummer Rigby, 25, described their pride in the young father, who was murdered near Woolwich barracks in south east London on Wednesday.
They spoke for the first time as detectives continued to question a 29-year-old man on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, and two other men who were shot by police after charging towards armed officers remained in hospital.
Two women - aged 29 and 31 - have both been released without charge after they were held yesterday on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
Speaking earlier at the regimental HQ of Drummer Rigby's unit, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, in Bury, Greater Manchester, his stepfather Ian read a statement from the family.
He said: "What can we say about Lee, our hero? We are so so proud of Lee.
"When Lee was born the family adored him, he was a precious gift given to us.
"Lee's dream growing up was always to join the army, which he succeeded in doing. He was dedicated and loved his job."
Drummer Rigby's wife Rebecca, mother to their two-year-old son Jack, said through tears that he was "a devoted father".
The family also revealed the last text message that Drummer Rigby sent to his mother Lyn.
It said: "Goodnight mum, I hope you had a fantastic day today because you are the most fantastic and one in a million mum that anyone could ever wish for.
"Thank you for supporting me all these years, you're not just my mum you're my best friend. So goodnight, love you loads."
This video report is by ITV News UK Editor Lucy Manning:
Today searches continued at various addresses - three in south London, one in east London, one in north London and one in Saxilby, Lincolnshire, the former home of a man called Michael Adebolajo.
The second suspected attacker has been named in reports as Michael Oluwatobi Adebowale, of Greenwich, south east London.
A neighbour said that he had always seemed "normal" and was "a nice bloke".Drummer Rigby was hit by a car and then attacked with weapons including a knife and a meat cleaver.He has been formally identified but the cause of his death was not confirmed by a post-mortem examination. An inquest will be opened in due course, Scotland Yard said.His suspected attackers, who were caught on film in the wake of the murder, were British and of Nigerian descent.The pair were known to security services, and apparently shouted "Allahu akbar" ("God is great") as they struck.
Hundreds of bunches of flowers were tied to the railings of the barracks at the corner of John Wilson Street and Artillery Place, or placed on the wall, near where Drummer Rigby died.
Among the floral tributes were small wooden crosses bearing poppies, with "In Remembrance" written underneath.
Cards and messages read "Goodnight and God bless young man", "Such a senseless act" and "A young man taken so tragically".