NZ sergeant shot to death during coronavirus inspection
Опубликованно 30.09.2020 14:20
Sergeant Matt Ratana, 54, has been hailed by UK Police Commissioner Cressida Dick as a “big guy with a big heart” who had served on the force for 29 years.
He died in hospital after being shot at close range by a handcuffed suspect as he was about to be searched at 2.15am.
The 23-year-old man, who was reportedly known to counter-terror cops, then turned the revolver on himself and is in a critical condition in hospital.
Sgt Matt Ratana served with the Met Police in the UK for 28 years. Picture: Twitter.
The respected officer was shot dead by an arrested suspect. Picture: Instagram
After being taken to the station in a van, the suspect pulled the revolver from his trousers and fired at custody sergeant Sgt Ratana as he was about to check him over with a metal detector.
The police force has recently introduced new coronavirus booking rules, and as the cop, who is believed to be in his 40s, went to “meet and greet” the man in custody, he was attacked.
The shooting occurred in the yard of the station in Croydon, South London.
After the man was shot in his chest, colleagues desperately attempted to offer assistance but he died on the way to hospital.
It is believed that special constables failed to find the gun when they had earlier detained him on suspicion of possessing drugs and ammunition.
Sgt Ratana, from Sussex, had served with the Met Police since 1991 after moving to the UK from his native New Zealand. He was also a rugby coach.
Metropolitan Police collect floral tributes at Croydon Custody Centre. Picture: Hollie Adams/Getty Images
His partner of four years Sue Busby was said to be devastated tonight and was being comforted by friends.
Her sister Amanda Tessier, a community nurse, told The Sun: “He was a great big friendly bear of a man, one of the loveliest men you could meet.
“He was absolutely dedicated to being a police officer and had almost 30 years of service.
“He knew the dangers of being a police officer in London and he had spoken about them but for him it was all part of the job.
“It was something he was trained in and used to.
“He was such a lovely guy. He was a big friendly guy.
“He liked to keep fit and loved his rugby but he also liked a burger or two.”
Sgt Ratana’s death will be investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Picture: Hollie Adams/Getty Images
She added: “We simply can’t believe it. How did someone have a gun in the police station?
“I’m sure there is going to be a huge investigation by the Met but it doesn’t seem right at all.”
Mrs Tessier said her sister was left devastated by the news.
“They had been together for about four years. She got a knock on the door in the morning. It’s just devastating,” she said.
“We can’t believe it. He was the life and soul, a real fun-loving guy who was totally committed to doing his job.”
Amanda said that Matiu, known as Matt, was also a passionate rugby fan who coached players at Hove Rugby and also East Grinstead.
Breaking down in tears, Amanda continued: “They’ll be devastated by this. He coached the juniors as well.
“It’s just awful.”
Matt is pictured at the rugby with partner Sue Busby. Picture: Instagram.
Sgt Ratana is the tenth officer to have been killed in the line of duty in the past decade.
Met officer Stuart James, who raced to help his colleague as he battled for life, described the horror scenes as fellow officers fought to save his life.
He wrote on Twitter: “This morning my team and I responded to the worst possible radio transmission from custody, words and scenes I shall never forget.
“The unimaginable happened to our police family. We have lost not only a good skipper but also a real gentleman. One of the best. RIP brother.”
Chief Insp Jack Rowlands wrote: “Hard to put into words. All I can say is I lost a friend today and know very many more friends did everything they could. I‘m thinking of everyone affected.”
Sgt Ratana died in hospital despite colleagues' efforts to save his life. Picture: Instagram.
Community police officer Jacqueline Kufuor burst into tears after laying flowers outside the centre in tribute to her colleague.
She said: “You never expect this to happen when you go to work. For him to have been in custody and for this to have happened, it is just so sad.
“He was a very lovely man. He was such a nice man. When he sees you, he would just stand and talk to you.
“He would ask you about your job and how your are coping and how you are doing out there.”
Commissioner Dick said Sgt Ratana was known as a “big guy” with a “big heart”.
“A lovely man, respected by his colleagues, officers, staff and of course by members of the public, including, I may say, suspects arrested or dealt with in custody,” she said.
“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.”
She said he leaves behind a partner and an adult son from a previous relationship.
Commissioner provides further details following the terrible events this morning, which resulted in the death of Sergeant Matt Ratana.“We will establish the facts. We owe it to Matt, his loved ones and all other officers.”#RIPMattRatana
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