SOLDIER Lee Rigby's loved ones have said they are pleased his killers have been convicted but that no justice could ever bring him back.

His wife Rebecca Rigby said: "I would like to thank everyone who has helped us to finally get justice for Lee.

"This has been the toughest time of our lives and no-one should have to go through what we have been through as a family.

"These people have taken away my baby's Dad but Lee's memory lives on through our son and we will never forget him.

"I now want to build a future for Jack and make him proud of his Dad like we all are."

Lee Rigby's mother Lyn said: "We would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support.

"We are satisfied that justice has been served; but unfortunately no amount of justice will ever bring Lee back. We now ask that we are left alone to grieve for our loss."

Met Police reaction

The Met Police have described how the brutal murder of Lee Rigby shocked and sickened London.

Speaking after the guilty murder verdicts, Assistant Commissioner Cressida Dick said: “This was a horrific attack on a young man in a busy London street as members of the public went about their daily business and my thoughts and the thoughts of everybody in the Met are with Lee’s family and his loved ones.

“What happened to Lee that day as he returned to Woolwich barracks has shocked and sickened people in London, the UK and far beyond.”

Greenwich Police top cop Chief Superintendent Richard Wood added: “Today, the thoughts of all of us who serve in Greenwich are with Fusilier Rigby’s family.

"Woolwich is a very diverse area, community relations are very good.

“Sadly there are a tiny minority who try to divide those good relations. They weren’t allowed to because the community stood together.

“The community has spoken with one voice and not allowed this to escalate into something else.”

Greenwich faith leaders

Local civic, community and faith leaders in Greenwich have spoken to News Shopper since the verdict was announced.

In a joint statement, they said: "As local civic, community and faith leaders in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, our thoughts continue to be with the family and friends of Lee Rigby.

"We remain deeply saddened by last May’s tragic events near to Woolwich Barracks and our thoughts continue to be with Lee Rigby's family and friends."

"We are glad that justice has been served today and served quickly.

"We will remain united as a community as we seek to move on from a difficult period in the history of a town which many of us are proud to have as our home.

"We are proud of the fact that Woolwich is a place born out of the Army and it runs through the DNA of the town and many of its people. As such, the attack by the Barracks continues to feel like a strike at the heart of our community.

"Together we remain united in our aim of supporting the role of the Armed Forces in the heart of our town, as well as the wider community during this difficult time.

"Then, as now, local people have continued to show their pride in our Armed Services. Our respect for the role they play and the risks they undertake was clear to see at this year's Armed Forces Day event which was attended by 28,000 people.

"More recently, thousands of local people from all faiths have come together at Remembrance Services across our borough. In the immediate three months after the attack, incidences of racial or religiously aggravated crimes were lower in the Royal Borough when compared to London as a whole.

"The community response at the time of the incident was overwhelming. Indeed it brought out the very best of Woolwich.

"That conviction remains today, and we are sure that it will be seen in the days, weeks, months and years ahead."