Tributes paid to ‘much-loved’ Met Police officer fatally shot in Croydon

Sgt Ratana, 54, died in hospital after the alleged gunman, who was being detained, was said to have opened fire at Croydon Custody Centre in south London during the early hours of Friday.

Known as Matt to his family and friends, 54-year-old Sgt Ratana, who was originally from New Zealand, joined the force in 1991.

The 23-year-old suspect, who had been arrested for possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply and possession of ammunition, also apparently shot himself during the incident at about 2.15am and is in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

A murder probe has been launched and investigators from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) watchdog attended the scene.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern paid tribute to Sgt Ratana on Facebook, calling his death “very sad”.

She added: “To all Matiu’s whanau (extended family) across the world, we share your sorrow and have all our condolences.”

Northumbria Police has shared their condolences and support, posting on social media: “Such a tragedy. Our thoughts are very much with the officer's family, friends and colleagues at this devastating time. Rest in peace.”

One friend said the officer was looking forward to retirement and told the PA news agency: “I think he earned his stripes, if you ask me.”

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said he was a long-serving and “much-loved” officer.

She described him as “big in stature, big in heart, friendly, capable, a lovely man and highly respected by his colleagues”.

He leaves behind a partner and an adult son from a previous relationship.

Sgt Ratana, originally from Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand, came to London in 1989, two years before joining the force.

Dame Cressida detailed his career in the Metropolitan Police, starting as the captain of his recruit training class before working as a constable on the streets of the West End and Westminster.

He later worked with the Territorial Support Group across London and in Hillingdon.

Sgt Ratana was promoted to sergeant in 2010, before moving to Croydon in 2015.

Dame Cressida described the keen rugby player as a “leader in his sport”.

She continued: “He was very well known locally and he will be remembered so fondly in Croydon and missed there, as well as in the Met and in the rugby world.”

Sgt Ratana was the head coach of East Grinstead Rugby Club. The club’s chairman, Bob Marsh, and president, Andy Poole, said they were “utterly devastated”.

They said: “Matt was an inspiring and much-loved figure at the club and there are truly no words to describe how we are feeling.”

England Rugby tweeted: “Our thoughts and those of the entire rugby family are with the family and friends of Sergeant Matt Ratana. Head Coach at @RugbyEGRFC who gave so much to our sport.”

England rugby player Danny Care also tweeted: “This is awful. All my thoughts and prayers with Matt’s family and friends.”

A message from the editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

You can subscribe to this website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. SImply click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.