Woolwich terror suspect Michael Adebowale appears in court

Michael Adebowale has appeared in court for the first time since being charged with the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby who was hacked to death outside his army barracks in Woolwich last week.

The 22-year-old, from Greenwich, was flanked in the dock by two police officers and two guards amid tight security at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Wearing handcuffs, a grey sweater and white trousers, he was told that he did not need to stand up because he was injured after being shot by police.

Adebowale is accused of murdering Drummer Rigby on May 22, as well as possessing a firearm, a 9.4mm KNIL Model 91 Revolver, with intent to cause others to believe that violence would be used.

A prosecutor told the court his alleged crime falls under terrorism law.

Adebowale spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the short hearing and will next appear at the Old Bailey on June 3.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Service's Counter Terrorism Command said last night they had been authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to charge him over last Wednesday's attack.