Mum of Lee Rigby says she is 'hurt' by people using his image in a 'divisive way'

The mum of Middleton soldier Lee Rigby has issued a statement urging people to stop sharing posts online with his image.

Lee was killed outside his barracks in Woolwich in 2013.

Lyn Rigby issued a statement on the Lee Rigby Foundation Facebook page to say that some of the posts were "heartbreaking and distressing".

The images have been used across social media to argue against the Black Lives Matter protests, following the death of George Floyd in the USA.

In a defiant statement, Lee's mother said: "We ask you all to please stop using his image and memory in such posts, as he was a lover of all humanity - every race, gender, creed, sexuality and colour. 

"So seeing such use of his name harms not only his family, but his legacy and memory."

There have been protests in the USA and beyond following Mr Floyd's death after a police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes.

Full statement from Lyn Rigby:

"As a foundation and a family we are aware of a number of posts using images of Lee and his murder in a divisive way to fuel arguments against the Black Lives Matter protests.

Lee proudly served his country to protect the rights and freedoms of all members of this great melting pot of a nation. 

Seeing his image used to cause hate of any kind, especially for those exercising their freedoms in protest against this issue, hurts.

We find these posts extremely heartbreaking and distressing, and in complete opposition to what Lee stood for.

We ask you all to please stop using his image and memory in such posts as he was a lover of all humanity - every race, gender, creed, sexuality and colour. 

So seeing such use of his name harms not only his family but his legacy and memory.

Our thoughts and support goes out to George Floyd's friends and family at this tragic time.

We wish you all love and peace at this time.

Lyn Rigby"

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