The grandparents of murdered soldier Lee Rigby today laid a floral wreath at the makeshift shrine to the brave soldier.

The couple stopped at the scene of the slaying to lay a blue pillow-shaped wreath adorned with flowers and a blue ribbon with the words ‘grandson’ and Drummer Rigby’s service number ‘2B – RRF’



An inscription read: ‘To our brave grandson Lee Rigby – taken from us too soon. We will miss you terribly. Rest in peace. Nanny and Grandad from Southend on Sea.'

Mourning: The uncle (left) and maternal grandparents (right) of Lee Rigby visiting the site where he was brutally murdered

The grieving couple held hands as they spent two hours reading tributes laid at the shrine.



While reading one – a poem entitled the Woolwich Soldier – Drummer Rigby’s grandmother appeared to wipe a tear from her eye.



Her husband, who did not want to give his name, said: ‘We came down here to see the flowers and read the messages people left for Lee. We really appreciate it.



‘We are too upset to say more at this moment. Sorry.’

Tribute: The pair read a selection of the vast array of messages of condolence left at the site

The number of people leaving floral tributes was so vast that nearby flower shops reportedly ran out of blooms

The poem, The Woolwich Soldier, read:



Just out for a walk on an early stack, not looking for trouble, not watching my back.



Mothers with prams holding hands with their kids, not paying attention to the car as it skids.

Caught completely off guard not expecting what comes, one man with a knife another with guns.



No chance of defence, no chance to fight back, looking for help as the cowards attack.



An angel arrives as the light turns to grey, a woman attempts to steer attackers away.



My last thought of 'Thank You' never strays from my brain, as my body shuts down I feel no more pain.



I look to the left and I look to the right, thousands of squaddies are all that’s in sight.



Uniforms are crisp and their faces are clean, no anger or hate to be seen.



As if by command they all salute as one, the RSM smiles, says 'welcome home, son'.



Barracks Commander pays tribute to murdered soldier and his family



Lieutenant Colonel Bob Christopher Royal Artillery, the Commander of Woolwich Station where Drummer Rigby served, today released a statement saying he was killed doing a job he loved.



It said: 'Drummer Lee Rigby was in London reaching out to young men and women who want to serve their country by joining the Armed Forces. This was a job he loved doing, and he was very good at it. He was tragically killed while travelling home from that job and our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, friends and colleagues.

'Drummer Rigby was proud to live and work in this community, as are all the soldiers who are based here. The best tribute we can pay him is to not allow this awful crime to separate the military family in Woolwich from the fantastic support we have received, are currently receiving and know that we will continue to receive from our friends and neighbours across the borough.



'I would like to take this opportunity to thank the police for their sterling work as well as the local people and their community leaders who represent the wide range of religious and ethnic backgrounds which make up and enrich this borough.

