Lee Rigby memorial flags have been vandalised in south-east London, just days before the four year anniversary of his murder.

The flags, which were hanging off fencing opposite the Royal Artillery Barracks in Hillreach, Woolwich, were slashed and damaged on Wednesday night.

Some flags are also believed to have been stolen, police said.

Photos posted on social media show a police cordon in place, while the Met has confirmed local officers will conduct reassurance patrols following the incident.

A spokesman for Scotland Yard told the Standard: “Police were called at 11.44am on Thursday to a report that flags at the Lee Rigby memorial in Hillreach, Charlton – opposite the Royal Artillery Barracks – had been damaged, with some possibly stolen.

“Officers have attended and are making enquiries; a crime scene is in place.

“It is believed that the memorial was damaged sometime overnight on Wednesday, May 17 into Thursday, May 18.”

Fusilier Lee Rigby was just 22 when he was run down with a car as he walked towards the same Woolwich barracks, before he was hacked to death.

After his murder on May 22, 2013, killers Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale were jailed for life and a minimum of 45 years.

If you saw any suspicious activity at the memorial or in the surrounding area within this time, call 101, Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.