Memorial service for murdered police officer Matt Ratana to be held

A memorial service in honour of former police officer Matt Ratana who was murdered while on duty will be held in Westminster today.

On September 25, 2020, the 54-year-old was shot at Croydon Custody Centre in Windmill Lane and later died at hospital.

The Commissioner and the Mayor of London will attend the event at the Royal Military Chapel, Westminster, along with police colleagues.

Sgt Ratana’s partner Su Bushby will also attend.

Commissioner Cressida Dick said: “When Matt was sadly taken away from us, Covid meant we weren’t able to mark his death with a force funeral in the way that we would have wished to afterwards.

“We promised at the time that when restrictions weren’t in place we would arrange a special memorial service that would allow us all to come together in Matt’s memory, and I am delighted that today, we can finally honour that promise by gathering to pay him tribute.”

Cressida Dick will walk with Ms Bushby and other guests from the National Police Memorial on the Mall to the chapel, passing the guard of honour just outside its entrance.

This will be made up of Sgt Ratana’s fellow sergeants from Met Detention and Croydon borough – his last posting in what was a distinguished 29-year-long career in the force.

Also stationed outside the chapel will be the quintet of pups that make up the “Ratana Litter” with their officer handlers, as well as two officers from the mounted branch.

Seven pups were originally named in Sgt Ratana’s honour by Ms Bushby on a visit to the Met’s Dog Training Establishment at Keston, of which five have been deemed suitable for training.

Inside the chapel, Reverend Prebendary Jonathon Osborne, Met Senior Chaplain, will lead the hour-long service, which will include a variety of hymns, readings and tributes, including from those representing Matt’s different passions outside of policing which are rugby and motorbiking. 

A Maori hymn will be sung by Ngati Ranana – a New Zealand cultural group.

The service will include the Colour Party comprised of Sgt Ratana’s friends and colleagues and a bugler will play the last post at the close of the service.

The formal handing over of a hat and gloves to his partner Ms Bushby will also take place inside the chapel.

Commissioner Dick added: “Matt has very much been in our thoughts over the last year, both as we grieved for him, but also as we planned for this very special day where we will remember and give thanks for his life. There will be sadness and reflection of course, but also celebration and much joy, for all the many lives he touched and the positivity and dedication with which he served.

“As with all our fallen colleagues, we will never forget Matt and we will continue to honour his legacy, which will live on through his family, his many friends and colleagues in the Met, in his rugby foundation and beyond.”