THE anguished mother, stepfather and widow of Drummer Lee Rigby broke down in tears as they visited the flower-bedecked spot where he was brutally murdered.

Lyn Rigby, 46, her husband Ian, 54, and Drummer Rigby's widow Rebecca, 30, laid floral tributes and left mementos at the site in Woolwich, south-east London.

It came as a 22-year-old was arrested by counter-terrorism officers elsewhere in the UK capital in connection with the killing on Wednesday.

Armed officers were involved in the arrest of the man, 22, on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

Tributes at the scene included a large silver balloon bearing the words "dad in a million", which was left on behalf of the young soldier's two-year-old son, Jack.

The family hugged and comforted one another several times as they spent about 20 minutes looking at the thousands of floral tributes that have been left by well-wishers.

After examining some of the cards and messages, they crossed to the other side of the road to look at the spot where the 25-year-old was murdered.

His widow, clutching a large Peppa Pig soft toy, was consoled by other family members as she broke down in tears. They tied a balloon to the signpost near where he died, and a card was attached to it with the words: "In memory of my wonderful husband."

Nearby they placed three large wreaths of red and yellow flowers, one with the word "husband", one with "son" and one with "brother". A card from Jack was also tucked into the "husband" wreath, which read: "For my daddy".

Drummer Rigby's widow appeared to have written a message that was also attached to the "husband" wreath.

It read: "My hero, my soldier, my one true love. Until we meet again my angel I know you'll be watching over me and Jack. Love always xxx"

Other touching items they left included a photo frame from one of Drummer Rigby's sisters, which had contained four pictures of them together. On the wall next to it was placed a bottle of HP sauce with a note saying "Your favourite. Love little sis Sara."

The sombre group, who were dressed mainly in black, then spent a few moments in reflection, as crowds of onlookers watched in respectful silence from a distance.

The soldier's mother, who was holding a teddy bear, collapsed on to the edge of the pavement as she violently wept, and sat on the kerb while she was embraced by other family members.