The soldier killed in a terrorist attack in London yesterday has been named as Drummer Lee Rigby, known as Riggers.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed the 25-year-old was of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

He was hacked to death outside the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich by two men yesterday afternoon.

Drummer Rigby, a father to two-year-old Jack, joined the Army in 2006 and after successfully completing his infantry training course was selected to be a member of the Corps of Drums and poster to 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

A Ministry of Defence statement described him as an “extremely popular and witty soldier”, who was a “larger than life personality within the Corps of Drums and was well known, liked and respected across the Second Fusiliers”.

“A loving father to his son Jack, aged two 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.

“Once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier.” Sergeant Barry Ward, Drum Major Second Fusiliers, said: “Drummer Rigby was a loving father, with a very bubbly character.

“He was an excellent Drummer, loved his job and was a highly popular member of the Platoon.

“He had served in Afghanistan as an FSG Operator and was very diligent in his work.

“He was always around when needed and will be sorely missed by all members of the Second Fusiliers Corps of Drums.”

In 2011, Drummer Rigby, who was a lifelong Manchester United fan, took up a recruiting post in London where he also assisted with duties at Regimental Headquarters in the Tower of London.

Warrant Officer Class 1 Ned Miller, Regimental Sergeant Major Second Fusiliers, said: “Riggers is what every battalion needs.

“He was one of the Battalion’s great characters always smiling and always ready to brighten the mood with his fellow Fusiliers.

“He was easily identified whilst on parade by the huge smile on his face and how proud he was to be a member of the Drums.

“He would always stop for a chat just to tell me Manchester United would win the league again.

“My thoughts are with his family and they will always be part of the Fusilier family.”