The British Soldier killed in a gruesome terrorist attack in London’s South-East has been identified as a well-liked 25-year old “popular and witty soldier” with “a larger-than-life personality” who was the father of a toddler.

A statement on the Ministry of Defense’s website says Drummer Lee Rigby of 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers was from Manchester, and been a member of the military since 2006.

“An extremely popular and witty soldier, Drummer Rigby was a larger than life personality within the Corps of Drums and was well known, liked and respected across the Second Fusiliers.  He was a passionate and life-long Manchester United fan.

“A loving father to his son Jack, aged 2 years, he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.  The Regiment’s thoughts and prayers are with his family during this extremely difficult time.”

Two men attacked and murdered Rigby yesterday.  It is believed they struck him with a car and set upon with meat cleavers and knives, in front of horrified witness.  The attackers hung around to spout their warped politics to witnesses before police arrived to shot and arrest them.

The suspects are being held under guard in separate hospitals.  One is identified as Michael Adebolajo, born in the London borough of Lambeth and raised as a Christian, but who converted to radical Islam about a decade ago.  Both suspects are known to authorities, especially Adebolajo who has been seen handing out extremist literature in London.  Although of Nigerian descent, neither man is thought to have links to terror groups based in Nigeria, such as the jihadist organization Boko Haram.

Two more people, a man and a woman both in their 20s, have reportedly been arrested.