Protest of flowers for murdered Lee

TRIBUTES have been left across the region for an off-duty soldier killed in a London terror attack.

People paid their respects to Drummer Lee Rigby by placing flowers at war memorials, including in Hull and Hedon, as part of a campaign for the country to be united in a sea of flowers.

Drummer Rigby was stabbed to death in Woolwich on Wednesday.

Among those placing flowers in Hull was Mark Bottomley, 47, who served with the same regiment as Drummer Rigby, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, in the Gulf War.

"Lee joined the year I left, so I didn't know him personally, but once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier," he said.

"There is that brotherhood and when I heard the news I was shocked and stunned.

"I have broken down several times even thinking about it. He was murdered in cold blood on home soil.

"He didn't have the chance to fight back. It is not fair."

Word is spreading on the internet about the campaign to unite the nation in a "Protest of Flowers".

A message being spread on social media sites such as Facebook reads: "As a mark of respect to Lee Rigby and a sign of solidarity against the cruel, cowardly terrorism we face from such extremists, I would like everyone to start placing flowers at their local war memorial.

"Every city, town and village has one; place flowers, cards, placards, poems, all saying no to terrorism and letting Lee's family know just how much we care.

"When his two-year-old son, Jack, becomes older, instead of news reports on his father's death, he can be shown the outpouring of floral tributes to his father and learn how his father's death began a 'floral revolution'."

In Hedon, deputy mayor Councillor John Dennis was among those placing flowers at the war memorial.

"The floral tributes across the country is an excellent idea," he said.

"What happened to Lee was shocking. I don't understand the reasoning.

"It has had an impact on the whole country and I feel for his family and friends."

On Saturday, about 100 people marched through Hull city centre, with many holding pictures of the soldier.

They then marched to the war memorial in Paragon Square, where flowers were laid and a minute's silence was held.

Among those marching was Mark Green, 34, of west Hull.

"I came here for a peaceful march in a mark of respect to Lee," he said.

"What happened was shocking, especially on home soil."

Two men arrested on suspicion of murder at the scene remain in custody in hospital.

Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, were shot and wounded by police following the attack on Drummer Rigby.

A 29-year-old man, arrested on Thursday on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, has been bailed pending further inquiries.

Two women, aged 29 and 31, also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder on Thursday, were released without charge on Friday.

There are further reports three other men were arrested on Saturday evening on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.