Manchester
Remembering Fusilier Lee Rigby on a poignant day for Manchester
News of Mr Rigby’s death shook Britain in what was described as “one of the most appalling terrorist murders” by the Crown Prosecution Service.
The Manc -
22nd May 2021 
As Manchester mourns the 22 victims of the Arena attack today, the city also remembers another tragedy that occurred exactly four years earlier.
British Army soldier Lee Rigby, from Middleton, was off-duty when he was killed near the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich on 22 May 2013.
The 25-year-old Fusilier was struck by a car and murdered during a targeted attack.
The two men responsible, Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, were sentenced to life.
News of Mr Rigby’s death shook Britain in what was described as “one of the most appalling terrorist murders” by the Crown Prosecution Service.
It also hit close to home, given the soldier’s connections with Greater Manchester.
A memorial was unveiled in his hometown of Middleton in 2015, consisting of a bronze drum and plaque.
His mother described it as “a lovely tribute” to her son “who put his life on the line every day to serve his country”.
Mr Rigby was survived by his son, who was just two-years-old at the time of his death.
Today, Manchester remembers Mr Rigby on what will forever remain a poignant day in the city’s history.
