WOOLWICH KILLER, MICHAEL ADEBAJO CONDEMNED BY FAMILY

THE family of Woolwich killer Michael Adebolajo “wholeheartedly condemned” the horrific butchering of soldier Lee Rigby. They revealed their “profound shame and distress” over the killing last week that shocked Britain.

And they sent “heartfelt condolence” to the soldier’s loved ones, adding: “We pray for Lee Rigby’s soul to rest in peace”.

Their message came as cops began quizzing Adebolajo’s accomplice Michael Adebowale after doctors allowed him to leave hospital. The statement, released by lawyers on behalf of Adebolajo’s mother Tana and other relatives, said: “Nothing we say can undo the events of last week.

“However, as a family, we wish to share with others our horror at the senseless killing of Lee Rigby and express our profound shame and distress that this has brought on our family.

“We send our heartfelt condolence to Lee Rigby’s family and loved ones.

“We wish to state openly that we believe that there is no place for violence in the name of religion or politics.

“We believe all right-thinking members of society share this view wherever they were born and whatever their religion and political beliefs.

“We wholeheartedly condemn all those who engage in acts of terror and fully reject any suggestion by them that religion or politics can justify this kind of violence.

“We unreservedly put our faith in the rule of law and with others fully expect that all the perpetrators will be brought to justice under the law of the land.

“And we pray for Lee Rigby’s soul to rest in peace, for the Lord to comfort his parents and loved ones and provide all of us affected the strength and fortitude to cope with this tragedy.”

Cops shot Adebolajo, 28, and Adebowale, 22, after Lee, 25, was killed last Wednesday in Woolwich, South East London.

Adebowale was moved to a South London police station yesterday afternoon. Cops said they had also arrested him over the attempted murder of a police officer. Detectives were last night consulting with the Crown Prosecution Service over the case. They have a potential total of 96 hours for questioning.

Adebolajo was born in Britain to churchgoing Nigerian immigrants Tana and Anthony, both 56. He was raised a Catholic along with brother Jeremiah, 26, and their two sisters in Romford, Essex. But shortly after his 16th birthday he began studying radical Islam.