I FOUND it most upsetting that a soldier in his own country could be killed in such an horrific way as the murder in Woolwich (Echo, May 24).

I fail to see why the police did not shoot to kill when they opened fire on the two men at the scene.

In the past they have killed people for just pointing a plastic toy gun and a tourist who was running away from them in the London Underground.

I do hope we are not going to spend thousands of pounds on a trial for these killers. Their despicable act was seen by so many people.

This was an act of treason and they should be hanged in public.

Let’s not put them in jail and waste taxpayers’ money. I also feel the intelligence services have a lot of questions to answer.

JM Gowland, Heighington

IN Darlington all the faiths work together celebrating the many lofty ideals that we share.

To clothe the recent heinous criminal events including murder in religious clothes is a insult to the Muslim religious community and those of us that work closely with them in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Peter Freitag, chairman, Darlington Interfaith Forum

IF the killing of Drummer Lee Rigby has a lasting legacy, it will not be glorified in the style of protest orchestrated by the English Defence League (EDL) in Newcastle (Echo, May 27).

His life was precious to his family and friends, indeed, all who knew him.

The outpouring of emotions, the grief and loss, was demonstrated by those laying flowers where he died and in services commemorating his life.

Whatever the political shades of opinion, the arguments as to whether there should be a Western presence in Afghanistan, Drummer Rigby’s active service should not have led to the bloody fate in Woolwich.

Many of the protestors on the streets of Newcastle displayed ignorance.

I doubt whether they know what bravery is.

If their demonstration proved anything, it was that their motives had little to do with respect.

If they had conducted a silent protest, they might have attracted a semblance of credibility but, of course, the EDL and close political allies, the BNP, don’t believe in peaceful and meaningful dialogue or debate.

They are brutal and their loutish behaviour does little to gain accord among the sensible and responsible.

Sadly, at a time when mainstream politics is seen as such a turn-off, there is a danger that extremism will attract popularity for all the wrong reasons.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe