The family of Lee Rigby has said that 'the more time passes, the more they miss him' on the sixth anniversary of his death.

Today (May 22) marks six years since the brutal murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby outside the Woolwich Barracks.

In a Facebook post the family said: "Today is a day we all dread as a family.

"It's exactly six years since Lee was murdered and it never gets any easier. The more time passes, the more we miss him because it's been so long since we last heard his laughter, saw his smiling face or felt his arms wrapped around us."

In the unprovoked attack in 2013, which sent shockwaves around the world, Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale mowed down the 25-year-old in a purple Vauxhall Tigra.

He was then repeatedly 'hacked at' with knives and a meat cleaver, leaving him almost decapitated.

READ MORE: Mother of murdered soldier Lee Rigby told to 'leave house offered to her' after attack

An official memorial plaque has now been laid at the site of the murder by Greenwich Council after years of conflict with the family.

The family continue: "But as heartbreaking as it is, we are trying to keep Lee's legacy alive so we can remember him with all our love not just today, but every day of the year.

"As a family we will come together to comfort each other and keep Lee close to us.

"But we would like to say a huge thank you to the thousands of people who continue to support and help us on our journey."

READ MORE: Official memorial stone to be installed to mark six years since Lee Rigby murder

On this day in 2013, News Shopper originally heard reports of a stabbing.

It was only as the day progressed that we understood the full horror of the situation.

READ the live blog here.

To commemorate the fallen solider, there is an organised 'ride-out' happening across Kent and SE London, to show that he may be gone but he will never be forgotten.