A radical muslim preacher has been filmed claiming murdered soldier Lee Rigby will ‘go to the hellfire’.

In the tape, uncovered by The Sun newspaper, Walthamstow-based cleric Anjem Choudary also refuses to condemn the soldier’s alleged killers and describes one of them, Michael Adebolajo, as ‘a nice man’.

The video was reportedly filmed in Mr Choudary’s offices near Walthamstow mosque.

It emerged a day after Adebolajo appeared in court for the first time accused of the murder of Lee Rigby in Woolwich last month..

He and another man, Michael Adebowale, have both been remanded in custody.

In the video, Mr Choudary refused to condemn the alleged killers and said of Adebolajo: “I knew him for a number of years. Mujahid (the name Adebolajo is now demanding to be known by) was a very nice man, in fact.”

And, speaking about Lee Rigby, he said: “I don’t think it is allowed for muslims to feel sorry for any non-muslim who dies, whether he’s part of the army or not part of the army.

“If he dies in a state of disbelief then he’s going to go to the hellfire.”

Drummer Rigby was wearing a Help for Heroes top when he was murdered and the charity have been overwhelmed with donations and messages of support since his death.

But Mr Choudary launched a scathing attack on the charity.

He said: “Help the Heroes? Who’s the hero exactly? The person who’s out in Afghanistan killing innocent men, women and children, are they heroes?

“What kind of world are we living in? The rest of the world doesn’t believe they are heroes. I think we need to wake up to reality.

“Hello, he’s not a hero if he’s out in Afghanistan shooting children is he?”

Last week police were seen at Mr Choudary’s home where it is understood they were escorting his family to another address.