The trial of two Muslim converts accused of hacking to death a British soldier in broad daylight on a London street began on Friday (November 29) in a case that has shocked many in Britain.

Drummer Lee Rigby, 25, a veteran of the Afghan war, was killed on May 22 not far from army barracks in Woolwich, southeast London in a murder that provoked disgust and fears of an anti-Muslim backlash. A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as "multiple incised wounds".

Accused Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale arrived at the Central Criminal Court, known as the Old Bailey under heavy guard in prison vans with police escorts and flashing lights.

They deny murdering Rigby, conspiracy to murder a police officer and the attempted murder of a police officer.

Rigby's mother Lyn, step father Ian and fiancée Aimee West attended day one of the trial.

Prime Minister David Cameron described the killing at the time as a betrayal of Islam and an attack on the British way of life.

Presented by Adam Justice