Latest news with #LeeRigby-style
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Soldiers on alert over ‘Lee Rigby-style' threat to behead paratrooper
Military staff at an Army base have been put on alert over a 'Lee Rigby-style' threat to behead a paratrooper. Security has been tightened at the Colchester garrison, where Parachute Regiment battalions are located, after online threats were intercepted by Nottinghamshire police. All military staff at the base have been warned not to wear any uniforms or clothing outside the camp which would identify them as military personnel. The families of service members have also been sent warnings. Police are investigating the online threats, which come 12 years after the beheading of Fusilier Lee Rigby stunned Britain. Fusilier Rigby was murdered by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale on May 22 2013, outside the Royal Artillery barracks in Woolwich, south London, after he was seen wearing a Help for Heroes hoodie, which was popular with troops. The alert sent to families and service personnel at Colchester Garrison, where 3,500 troops and 750 civilian workers are based, says: 'Urgent. All, please disseminate to all your people in camp. 'We have received a warning that a man has made threats against members of the Para Regt and wants to carry out a 'Lee Rigby' style attack. 'The SCC [Security Control Centre] and main gate have been informed but ensure no Para Regt/military clothing is worn outside camp and remain vigilant.' The messages specifically named the suspect and stated other identifying details. It is not known whether he has yet been apprehended. The Ministry of Defence said: 'The safety and wellbeing of our personnel is our top priority. We are aware of an online threat, which is being investigated by the civilian police. 'Personnel are always advised to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the Royal Military Police.' Colchester's military history dates back to the late 18th century when the first barracks were built in the city. The garrison is the home of 16 Air Assault Brigade and troops from the Parachute Regiment's second and third battalions, alongside other infantry and aviation units and supporting detachments such as logistics and medical personnel. Airborne forces are notorious for wearing regimental clothing outside working hours, particularly distinctive maroon-coloured T-shirts and fleeces, most often worn with tight jeans and desert boots, a tradition that goes back many decades. Fusilier Rigby was a father of one from Middleton, Greater Manchester, and had served in Afghanistan. At the time of his death, he was working in army recruitment. He was a trained machine-gunner and a regimental drummer. He was given a military funeral at Bury parish church on July 12 2013. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
ITV News
3 days ago
- ITV News
Police investigating 'online threat' to paratroopers at Colchester Garrison
A threat to kill a British paratrooper in a "Lee Rigby-style attack" has reportedly been intercepted by police. The Ministry of Defence confirmed an "online threat" was being investigated by Nottinghamshire Police after messages concerning a paratrooper at Colchester Garrison were uncovered. MailOnline reported that security has been upped at the Essex barracks, where two Parachute Regiments are based. The newspaper reported that a message had been sent to the soldiers responsible for security at the base, reading: 'Urgent. All, please disseminate to all your people in camp. We have received warning that a man has made threats against members of the Para Regt and wants to carry out a 'Lee Rigby' style attack. 'The SCC [Security Control Centre] and main gate have been informed but ensure no Para Regt/military clothing is worn outside camp and remain vigilant.' It added that messages specifically named the suspect and included other identifying details. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed it is aware of an online threat, which it said is being investigated by civilian police. An army spokesperson at the Ministry of Defence said: "The safety and wellbeing of our personnel is our top priority. "We are aware of an online threat, which is being investigated by the civilian police. "Personnel are always advised to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the Royal Military Police." Nottinghamshire Police said it was aware of the investigation and has been contacted for comment. Fusilier Lee Rigby was killed on the streets of Woolwich, south-east London, in May 2013. Michael Adebowale and Michael Adebolajo ran the 25-year-old soldier over close to Woolwich Barracks before stabbing him to death in broad daylight.
