A MAN accused of hacking soldier Lee Rigby to death in Woolwich was shot by police before telling paramedics "I did it for my god", the Old Bailey heard today.

Michael Adebolajo, aged 28, of Oakwood Close, Lewisham, and Michael Adebowale, aged 22, of Thames Street, Greenwich, are charged with murdering the Fusilier as he walked back to Woolwich Barracks on May 22.

This afternoon, the jury was played video footage of a bloodied Adebolajo at the scene saying to a member of the public: "We must fight them as they fight us. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth."

He then urged people to "remove your government" before saying: "Leave our lands and you'll live in peace."

The court heard that a driver, Vikki Cave, asked one armed man if he was going to hurt her, and he replied: "No, the women and children are safe. You need to keep back when the police and soldiers get here."

CCTV showed how some passers-by tried talking to the two men, while one woman tried to comfort Mr Rigby by sitting with him.

Video footage played to the jury showed that once police arrived both men ran towards a police car, Adebolajo with a machete in hand and Adebowale running along a wall, pointing an unloaded 1920s revolver.

Adebolajo was shot just as he reached the car, which contained three armed officers dispatched from Lewisham, before Adebowale was also brought down.

Prosecutor Richard Whittam said of one armed officer:"He felt that he was in the most urgent situation of his life."

Mr Whittam said: "Instinctively and without hesitation he fired his weapon."

The court heard that when paramedics arrived Adebolajo initially refused any pain relief before saying: "Please let me lay here, I don't want anyone to die, I just want the soldiers out of my country."

Jurors were told he then said: "Your government is all wrong. I did it for my god. I wish the bullets had killed me so I can join my friends and family."

After he was detained and treated he said in statements that were written down but he later rejected: "I am a Muslim extremist, this may be the only chance to meet one.

"Your people have gone to Afghanistan and raped and killed our women. I am seeking retribution. I wouldn't stoop so low as to rape and kill women.

"I thank the person who shot me because it is what Allah would have wanted."

The following day it is claimed he said to officers: "My intention was never to harm civilians. There were women and children around. My intention was to hurt military only."

Adebolajo has asked to be known as Mujaahid Abu Hamza in court, while Adebowale has asked to be called Ismail Ibn Abdullah.

They are also each accused of attempting to murder a police officer on the same day, and conspiracy to murder a police officer on or before that day.

They deny all charges but admit possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence.

The trial continues.