Lee Rigby's father feels 'physically sick' in the aftermath of Manchester terror attack

The father of Lee Rigby has said he feels ‘physically sick’ after the Manchester terror attack – which occurred almost four years to the day after his son was murdered by Islamic extremists in broad daylight.

Phil McClure, 67, said the harrowing images of the ‘disgusting’ strike evoked memories of his son’s death – after the fusilier was killed in Woolwich, south London.

He has been so upset by the attack, which killed 22 people, that is he unable to watch television.

Mr McClure, who is originally from Oldham, Greater Manchester, said: ‘All of it makes me feel physically sick. It is disgusting.

‘We don’t know enough yet to say whether it was done intentionally on the anniversary of Lee’s death but it just brings it all back.

‘I can’t even watch it all on TV because it is too upsetting. We have gone away to get away from it all.’

He added: ‘It makes me so angry to see this going on, after four years another attack.. My heart goes out to every single person who was there or who has lost someone.

‘Honestly words cannot describe it. I feel sick hearing about it all.

‘I need to be somewhere quiet and peaceful where nobody knows us and I can go to church and say a little prayer for Lee.’

Fusilier Lee Rigby was just 25 when he was beheaded by Islamic extremists Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale outside the Woolwich Barracks on May 23 2013.

His mother, Lyn Rigby, also urged people to ‘stand together against terrorism’ in the aftermath of Monday night’s attack.

She said: ‘My heart goes out to all the families affected by the terrorist attack at the concert in Manchester Arena.

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‘On the fourth anniversary of Lee’s death I’ve been taken back to how we felt as a family as events unfolded via the media in front of our eyes.

‘Feeling out of control, helpless, panicked – every parent’s worst nightmare – waiting for confirmation that Lee was involved.

‘On an evening where families with children were out enjoying themselves, some parents now find themselves in the same situation. Whole families affected forever.

‘We must stand together against terrorism.’