COPS have reportedly uncovered a plot to behead a British paratrooper, with army families warned to be “vigilant”.
An image of the suspect was circulated by security at a base in Essex.
Pictured is the Colchester Garrison, in Essex[/caption]
The plot comes years after the harrowing death of Lee Rigby[/caption]
Bases in Colchester, where the two Parachute Regiment battalions are stationed, have tightened their security.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed an ongoing incident is being investigated.
Nottinghamshire Police intercepted online messages and are looking into the threat.
It is not yet known whether anyone has been detained.
Military staff at the Colchester base have been warned not to wear any army uniforms or clothing.
There are around 3,500 troops and 750 civilian workers at the base, and both personnel and their families have been warned to be careful.
According to the Mail, the instructions to gate security staff read: “Urgent. All, please disseminate to all your people in camp.
“We have received warning that a man has made threats against members of the Para Regt and wants to carry out a ‘Lee Rigby’ style attack.
“The SCC [Security Control Centre] and main gate have been informed but ensure no Para Regt/military clothing is worn outside camp and remain vigilant.”
The MOD confirmed it is aware of an “online threat”.
The Sun understands the plot is now being investigated by by Nottingham Police.
An Army spokesperson said: “The safety and wellbeing of our personnel is our top priority.
“We are aware of an online threat, which is being investigated by the civilian police.
“Personnel are always advised to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the Royal Military Police.”
Lee Rigby was beheaded outside a Royal Artillery barracks in London twelve years ago.
His death in Woolwich, South East London, sent shock waves across the nation.
The 25-year-old was a drummer in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
He was returning to Woolwich barracks after working at the Tower of London when he was spotted by his killers in Wellington Street at around 2.20pm.
Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale had circled the barracks in a blue Vauxhall Tigra for an hour hunting for a victim.
As Lee crossed the road, the pair spotted his Help 4 Heroes hoodie and mowed him down in the car.
The killers then leapt out of the vehicle and began stabbing and hacking at Lee’s body with knives and a meat cleaver in an assault so fierce they almost decapitated him.
Then they dragged his body into the road, where brave passer-by Ingrid Loyau-Kennett tried to shield him from further blows.
Adebolajo told onlookers to call the police and urged them to film him as he launched into a rant, his hands soaked in Lee’s blood.
The pair waited for armed cops to arrive, then charged at the patrol car hoping to be martyred. They were both shot and injured.
His family paid tribute to him on what would have been his 30th birthday on July 4 2017.
Mum Lyn Rigby previously said she misses him “every hour, every day”.
She said: “My heart still bursts with pride at every minute of his life.
“My flesh and blood and my adored and only son.”
My son Lee Rigby was murdered 10 years ago…but I still leave an empty chair out for him every night
By Holly Christodoulou
LEE Rigby’s mum has revealed she still leaves an empty chair at the table for her son ten years after he was murdered.
Fusilier Lee, 25, was stabbed to death as he walked home near his barracks in Woolwich, South East London, on May 22, 2013.
Extremists Michael Adebolajo and accomplice Michael Adebowale were jailed for life over the killing, which horrified the nation.
Ten years on, Lee’s mum Lyn Rigby has opened up about life without her beloved son.
She told GMB she still has a picture of Lee next to her bed and says “good morning” to him each morning as a “focus to get up”.
Lyn added: “At family occasions when we all get together on a celebration, there’s always an empty chair there for Lee at the dining table.
“That’s just what we do.”
The mum also revealed how she is sure her son can hear her when she speaks to him.
She said strange things have happened at home and that she can feel Lee hugging her at night telling her to carry on.
Lyn added: “Things happen in the house, you know, things can fly off the windowsill or the mantlepiece.”
