Woolwich Attack: Post-Mortem Results

A post-mortem into the death of Drummer Lee Rigby has formally identified him but failed to confirm the cause of death, Scotland Yard said.

Tributes have been made to Drummer Rigby as a "dedicated and professional soldier" and a "true warrior" who had wanted to be in the Army since he was a little boy.

The 25-year-old soldier was also a "loving son, husband, father, brother and uncle". He leaves behind a two-year old son, Jack.

His family said: "Lee was lovely. He would do anything for anybody, he always looked after his sisters and always protected them. He took a 'big brother' role with everyone.

"All he wanted to do from when he was a little boy was be in the Army. He wanted to live life and enjoy himself. His family meant everything to him."

He grew up in Middleton, Greater Manchester, in a community where he was well known and people were proud of his Army achievements.

The Rt Rev Mark Davies, the Bishop of Middleton, said: "The nation has been shocked by Lee's death. But the greatest burden is carried by those he knew and loved. Our prayers and sympathies are with his family, friends and those he served with."

His colleagues in 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers said he was as an "extremely popular and witty soldier" who had a "larger than life personality" and was a passionate, lifelong Manchester United fan.

Lieutenant Colonel Jim Taylor, the commanding officer of the 2nd Fusiliers, described him as a "true warrior" who served with distinction in Afghanistan.

"Drummer Rigby was a dedicated and professional soldier," he said. "He was a real character within the 2nd Fusiliers. Larger than life, he was at the heart of our Corps of Drums."

"Riggers was what every battalion needs," added Warrant Officer Ned Miller, the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 2nd Fusiliers.

"He was one of the Battalion's great characters - always smiling and always ready to brighten the mood."

Drummer Rigby served in Afghanistan in 2009 and was also posted to Cyprus and Germany.

His battalion is currently training in Cyprus, but he was on attachment to its London headquarters as a recruiter.

The vicar who married Drummer Rigby and his wife, Rebecca, said the young soldier was very aware of the risks of joining the Army.

Father Guy Jamieson of St Anne's Church in Southowram, West Yorkshire, said: "He was somebody who spoke very openly, very easily and quietly. A little bit of humour here and there.

"We were very aware he was entering into two enormous commitments. One was with the military. One was with his marriage.

"We were very aware of the kind of increased risk factor that was involved.

"We often talked about the way in which he would more than likely be sent overseas at some stage in the early years of his married life."

But in the end it was not in Afghanistan that Drummer Rigby was to lose his life, but on a street in Woolwich.