Lee Rigby's father pays tribute to Manchester Arena families

Photo: Darren Robinson

Phil McClure

Phil McClure, whose son Fusilier Lee Rigby was brutally murdered outside Woolwich Barracks exactly four years ago, has paid tribute to those lost in Monday's heart-breaking atrocity at Manchester Arena and the loved ones left to grieve.

Phil said his thoughts and prayers were with those killed, missing and their heartbroken family and friends following the murderous carnage at the Ariana Grande concert.

Phil - who annually takes a break with his family on the anniversary of his son's death at the hands of Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale - said he was finding it hard to comprehend the news and mourned the fact yet more innocent families are suffering at the hands of terrorists.

He added: "It's absolutely disgusting and I can't describe how it has made me feel watching it all unfold.

"We cannot say whether it is related to the anniversary of Lee's death, it's sickening if it is.

"If it's not, it's a poignant coincidence.

"My heart goes out the families.

"I understand how they are feeling right now.

"I feel for every single one of them.

"To be honest watching it on TV is making me feel physically sick. To think this could be happening on our doorstep and yet more people are suffering at the hands of these murderers."

Phil says he is campaigning for the government to do more to tackle the issue of cryptic messaging across all forms of social media between the terrorist culprits involved in these kind of attacks.

He said: "I have spoken to the new Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham about this and I'm hoping to meet up with him soon.

"I've also spoken to David Cameron about it in the past.

"Agencies around the world need to join together to help intercept and monitor it because it is a serious issue and part of many attacks like this.

"It's something I'm very passionate about and if it saves just one life it will be worthwhile."