The mum of fallen soldier Lee Rigby has spoken out over people using her son's name against the Black Lives Matter protests.

Fusilier Lee Rigby was killed outside his barracks in Woolwich in 2013 and a number of people online have been using his death to ask why no protests, similar to those seen across the world for George Floyd, were made at the time.

George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis on May 25 after a police officer knelt on his neck for nine minutes.

Since there have been protests across the United States and the world including Oxford and London with a planned Swindon protest taking place at Regent Circus tomorrow.

Speaking on the Lee Rigby Foundation Facebook page, Lyn Rigby said she was hurt, heartbroken and distressed over people using her son's name. 

The post said: "As a foundation and a family we are aware of a number of posts using images of Lee and his murder in a divisive way to fuel arguments against the Black Lives Matter protests. 

"Lee proudly served his country to protect the rights and freedoms of all members of this great melting pot of a nation. 

"Seeing his image used to cause hate of any kind especially for those exercising their freedoms in protest against this issue hurts. 

"We find these post extremely heartbreaking and distressing and in complete opposition to what Lee stood for. 

"We ask you all to please stop using his image and memory in such posts as he was a lover of all of humanity. Every race, gender, creed, sexuality and colour. 

"So seeing such use of his name harms not only his family but his legacy and memory. 

"Our thoughts and support goes out to George Floyd's friends and family at this tragic time. We wish you all love and peace at this time."