Lee Rigby Trial: Three Arrested at Far-Right 'Gallows' Protests Outside Old Bailey

Three people have been arrested following protests outside the Old Bailey during the sentencing of fusilier Lee Rigby's killers.

Members of far-right groups gathered outside the court waving Union Jack flags and chanting ahead of the sentencing of Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale.

Replica gallows were set up outside the court by protesters demanding that the pair be sentenced to death for murdering the soldier on the streets of Woolwich, southeast London, last May.

Supporters of the British National Party and the English Defence League cheered as the news of the sentences were heard. Many placards read: "Restore capital punishment".

City of London Police said that during the protests, one woman was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, one man on suspicion of actual bodily harm and one man on suspicion of affray.

A police spokesperson added: "There is a significant police presence in the area due to a high-profile sentencing. Old Bailey Street has been closed in both directions​​."

Adebolajo was handed a whole-life tariff for the murder of Rigby and will never be released from prison. Adebowale was given life with a minimum of 45 years.

The pair were found guilty of Rigby's murder in December.

Before they were sentenced, there was a violent scuffle in the court after they started fighting guards in the dock. They were sent down to the cells after they objected to the judge describing their killing as a "betrayal of Islam".

Rigby's family said after sentencing: "We feel satisfied that justice has been served for Lee".