Funeral of Sergeant Matt Ratana hears of his acts of bravery in line of duty
The funeral of Sergeant Matt Ratana, who was shot dead in the Croydon custody centre, took place today amid tributes to the ‘Sheriff of South Norwood.’
The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Cressida Dick, led the tributes at a service in Shoreham-by-Sea in Wessex, attended by family and friends.
The Commissioner said: “Matt was a fantastic, professional police officer. A brilliant Sergeant and a leader. A supremely loyal colleague and friend, a true team player.
“His legacy in policing will live on in all those people he has trained, encouraged, taught and in the inspiration he gives to police people now and for generations to come.
“He carried a firearm, he was surveillance trained, he led proactive crime operations, and became an absolute expert in public order tactics
“Matt received a number of commendations, including one for his off duty actions when he spotted and followed a man with a firearm and a knife, giving brilliant commentary on the telephone leading to a safe arrest.
“He was described by one Chief Superintendent, as ‘quite simply the best natural thief taker and communicator I have known.’
“Thank you Matt for all you have done and all you have given in nearly 30 years of service to London and the public.
“We miss you, we honour you, we won’t forget you.”
At around 2.15am on September 25, Sergeant Ratana was allegedly shot in the chest while completing the search of a 23-year-old suspect, arrested for possession of ammunition and drugs, who then turned the gun on himself.
The suspect was taken to hospital but due to his injuries has not been interviewed or arrested.
A Metropolitan Police statement said: “The suspect was arrested on September 25 for being unlawfully in possession of ammunition and for possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply.
“The suspect remains in hospital in a stable, non-life threatening condition – he remains unfit to be interviewed at this stage. At this time, he has not been arrested for the murder.”
Pictured: The Haka is performed as the hearse leaves the funeral service of police officer Sergeant Matt Ratana in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex. (Picture: PA)
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