4 days ago
EXCLUSIVE Police foil 'Lee Rigby style' threat to behead British paratrooper as security tightened at base in Colchester
A 'Lee Rigby-style' threat to behead a British paratrooper has been uncovered by police, the Mail can exclusively reveal.
Security has been tightened at bases in Colchester where two Parachute Regiment battalions are located and Army families have been warned to protect their children.
Defence sources have confirmed the suspect's identity and an image of him which was circulated by security officers at the Essex base.
All military staff at the base have been warned not to wear any uniforms or any clothing which would identify them as being military personnel. The families of service members have also been sent warnings.
Today, the Ministry of Defence confirmed the ongoing incident. The suspect's chilling threat is being investigated by Nottinghamshire Police which intercepted his online messages. It remains unclear whether the suspect has been apprehended.
Twelve years ago, the beheading of Lee Rigby, 25, outside a Royal Artillery barracks in Woolwich, south London, stunned Britain.
He was murdered by Michael Adebolajo and Adebowale on May 22nd 2013 after he was seen wearing a Help for Heroes hoodie popular with troops.
The Mail has obtained copies of the warnings sent to families and service personnel at Colchester Garrison, where 3,500 troops and 750 civilian workers are based.
In total, the military community in the city is estimated around 10,000.
The Mail is not naming the suspect at the present time for legal reasons.
The instructions to soldiers responsible for security at the base state: '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.'
These messages specifically named the suspect and stated other identifying details.
The MOD 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 Essex city.
Today, it is the home of 16 Air Assault Brigade and troops from the Parachute Regiment's second and third battalions are based there 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 12th July 2013.
