Thousands mourn UK soldier slain

LONDON - The Associated Press

Jack Rigby watches the coffin of his father, Lee Rigby, in Bury. REUTERS photo

British Prime Minister David Cameron joined thousands of mourners on July 12 at the funeral of a British soldier killed in broad daylight by extremists.

Lee Rigby, 25, was hacked to death May 22 on a London street near his army barracks. The killing shocked Britain and much of the world. The two men charged in relation to Rigby’s killing, Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, are due to stand trial starting Nov. 18.

Rigby’s family and mourners were greeted with applause by members of the public lining the streets outside Bury Parish Church in northwest England. The soldier’s widow, Rebecca, walked into the church with the couple’s 2-year-old son Jack, who wore a T-shirt bearing the words “My Daddy My Hero.” London Mayor Boris Johnson was among the public officials in attendance.

Rigby’s death caused a spike in racial tensions in Britain due to the apparent involvement of religious extremists.