A man will appear in court charged with the murder of soldier Lee Rigby, Scotland Yard has said.
Michael Adebowale, 22, who was shot by armed police after the soldier was hacked to death in Woolwich last week, was charged by the Metropolitan Police last night following advice from the CPS.
Sue Hemming, head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter-Terrorism Division, said: “Crown prosecutors have been working with the investigators of Counter Terrorism Command since the killing of Drummer Lee Rigby on 22 May.
“Following the release of Michael Adebowale from hospital, we have authorised the police to charge him with the murder of Drummer Rigby.
“We have also authorised police to charge him with possession of a firearm, contrary to section 16A of the Firearms Act 1968. There is sufficient evidence to prosecute Michael Adebowale and it is in the public interest to do so.”
“This man is now charged with serious criminal offences and he has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice this trial,” she added.
He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court at 10am on Thursday.
Adebowale and Michael Adebolajo, 28, were both shot in the wake of the brutal murder near Woolwich barracks, south-east London. Adebowale was discharged from hospital and taken into police custody on Tuesday, while Adebolajo remains in hospital.
Several suspects have been arrested during the last week.
The CPS said it was continuing to advise police in relation to the other suspects arrested during their investigation into Drummer Rigby’s death.
The fiancee of Drummer Rigby said she was “devastated” by his loss and has been moved by all the tributes to a “great man”.
Aimee West released a short statement through Scotland Yard to say: “I am devastated by the loss of Lee who was a loving fiance.
“I am extremely proud of him and I am moved by all the flowers and tributes, and that he has been remembered by the nation as the great man that he was.”
Piles of floral tributes have been left near the murder scene.