OFFICIALS are now removing some of the flowers from the site of Lee Rigby's murder in Woolwich, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed.

News Shopper has been contacted by a number of people who were alarmed that some of the tributes near the barracks were being taken away today.

But an MoD spokesman said that only dead flowers were being removed, while those that were still okay would be taken from the main thoroughfares and placed on to grass nearby.

He said: "We've kept all the cards and they'll be forwarded on to the family."

The spokesman added: "Everything that's still a tribute will be left there.

"Everything that can be will be sent on to the family."

Since Drummer Rigby's death on May 22, thousands of well wishers have paid their respects at the scene leaving floral tributes, flags and messages.

A permanent memorial will eventually be set up at the National Memorial Arboretum.