A LEADING member of Derbyshire's Royal British Legion says the killing of a British soldier in south-east London has left him fearing for his own family.
Drummer Lee Rigby was hacked to death last Wednesday in a Woolwich street.
It is thought the 25-year-old was targeted by two extremists as he was wearing a Help For Heroes T-shirt.
Dean Fowler, chairman of Ripley's Royal British Legion branch, said he was deeply disturbed by the killing.
He said members of his family also wore clothing supporting troops and he was now worried for their safety.
Mr Fowler said he was devastated when news of Mr Rigby's murder broke.
He said: "I couldn't sleep that night. All sorts of things were going through my mind. It's someone who was targeted because of what he was wearing.
"We wear our poppies with pride. My wife runs a cafe that is military orientated.
"My grandchildren wear poppies and T-shirts in support of the Legion. What happened in Woolwich could have happened to my family.
"I'd like to think it's a one-off but you don't know. It's a major worry.
"I've just had a new grandchild – she's 11 weeks old and there are two poppies on her pram. Is she going to be targeted by some extremist?"
Such is the outpouring of grief, Mr Fowler has helped organise a book of condolence so that people in Derbyshire can pay their respects to Mr Rigby.
The book has been at Ripley Town Hall since Saturday morning. Mr Fowler said: "More than 200 people have signed it. One middle-aged gentleman turned up on Saturday and broke down in tears.
"He was absolutely heart-broken. He was physically shaking and crying, so I had to hold him and support him."
Dale Elliott, Poppy Appeal organiser for the Ripley branch of the Royal British Legion, was among those who signed the book.
He said: "When I found out about what happened in Woolwich, I was stunned.
"There's been a wide spectrum of people who have come to sign the book."
Asked whether he shared Mr Fowler's concerns, he said: "I do. I've written to my MP, Nigel Mills, because I'm that worried.
"My son is in the cadets and wears his uniform when he walks to where they meet.
"Nothing's been said about covering up. You shouldn't have to. It's the British way not to hide."
Help For Heroes has confirmed that its fund-raising events will continue despite Mr Rigby's murder.
The Ministry of Defence has also said that British troops would continue marching though UK towns and cities and that soldiers have not been advised against wearing their uniforms in public.
