Accused: Michael Adebowale arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning in the back of a police van after being charged with the murder of soldier Lee Rigby
Michael Adebowale has arrived at court for the first time after being charged with the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby who was hacked to death outside his army barracks in Woolwich last week.
Adebowale, 22, from Greenwich, was driven in the back of a police van to Westminster Magistrates' Court, where he also faces a charge of possessing a firearm.
He is due to appear before magistrates at 10am.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Service's Counter Terrorism Command said last night they have been authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to charge him over last Wednesday's attack.
Arriving at court: Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Service's Counter Terrorism Command said last night they have been authorised to charge him over the attack last Wednesday
Sue Hemming, head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter-Terrorism Division, said: 'Crown prosecutors have been working with the investigators of Counter Terrorism Command since the killing of Drummer Lee Rigby on 22 May.
'Following the release of Michael Adebowale from hospital, we have authorised the police to charge him with the murder of Drummer Rigby.
'We have also authorised police to charge him with possession of a firearm, contrary to section 16A of the Firearms Act 1968.
'There is sufficient evidence to prosecute Michael Adebowale and it is in the public interest to do so.'
In court: Adebowale (left) also faces a charge of possessing a firearm after he was arrested in the wake of the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby (right), who was killed near his barracks in Woolwich
She added: 'This man is now charged with serious criminal offences and he has the right to a fair trial.
'It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice this trial.'
The CPS said the weapon was a 9.4mm Dutch calibre KNIL model 91 revolver.
Adebowale and Michael Adebolajo were both shot in the wake of the brutal murder near Woolwich barracks, south-east London.
Adebowale was discharged from hospital and taken into police custody yesterday, while Adebolajo remains in hospital.
Police handing out leaflets at the scene of Drummer Lee Rigby's murder one week on from his death
A police officer stands guard near some of the thousands of tributes left in honour of murdered 25-year-old British soldier Lee Rigby, near Woolwich Barracks
Several suspects have been arrested during the last week.
Last night, the CPS said it was continuing to advise police in relation to the other suspects arrested during their investigation into Drummer Rigby's death.
The fiancee of Drummer Rigby said she was 'devastated' by his loss and has been moved by all the tributes to a 'great man'.
Aimee West released a short statement through Scotland Yard to say: 'I am devastated by the loss of Lee who was a loving fiance.
'I am extremely proud of him and I am moved by all the flowers and tributes, and that he has been remembered by the nation as the great man that he was.'
Piles of floral tributes have been left near the murder scene.
Earlier, detectives issued a new appeal for information at the scene as it was confirmed that the soldier died from multiple stab wounds.
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