New Zealand-born police officer Matt Ratana shot to death in London was ‘big at heart’

A New Zealand-born police officer killed in the line of duty in the UK has been remembered as a “big guy” who was “big-hearted”.

Sergeant Matiu Ratana, known as Matt, was allegedly killed by a man who had already been arrested and was being held in a custody center in Croydon, a south London suburb.

Ratana, 54, was originally from Hawke’s Bay and had served in the Metropolitan Police for nearly 30 years, having moved to the UK in 1989.

It was reported that he was only two months away from retirement.

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Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said the force was mourning the loss of a “very dear colleague.”

Ratana joined the Metropolitan Police in 1991 and was captain of their recruits training class.

Dick said at a press conference: “His colleagues knew him as a great guy. Of great stature, big heart, kind, capable, a charming man, respected by his colleagues, officials, staff and of course by the public.

“He was well known locally and will be fondly remembered in Croydon and missed there, as well as at the Met.”

Dick said Ratana leaves behind a partner and an adult child from a previous relationship.

Outside of work, Ratana was the head coach of East Grinstead Rugby FC and Sussex FRU Marlets.

He attended Palmerston North Boys’ High School and the University of Otago.

After college, Ratana moved to London and played for the London Irish, Dick said.

He was a “leader” in his sport, known as a player on various teams, including the Met Police.

East Grinstead RFC President Andy Poole and President Bob Marsh posted a statement on the club’s website, saying they were “completely devastated” to learn of Ratana’s death.

“Matt was an inspiring and much loved figure at the club and there really are no words to describe how we feel.”

The club would take time to “begin to understand what has happened,” the statement said.

“Our condolences to Matt’s loved ones, family, friends, colleagues and our community. [and] rugby family at this terrible time. “

A friend of Ratana, talking to The GuardianHe said: “We all looked at him – on the field or off the rugby field, he always found a way to cheer us on. Losing that is great.

“The man was a machine … He bought it with all the family atmosphere that we had in the club,” said the man, named only Paul. The Guardian.

The suspect, a 23-year-old man, was arrested by local officers who regularly patrol for possession of ammunition and possession of class B drugs with the intention of supplying, after a stop and search.

He was taken to hospital with a gunshot wound and remains in critical condition.

Dick said officer safety is a top priority and is very close to his heart.

“As we mourn the loss of a beloved colleague, senselessly murdered, do not be under any illusions that our determination to protect the public and address violent crime, whoever is responsible for it, will not diminish.”

‘Part of our New Zealand police whānau’

New Zealand Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said Ratana had returned to New Zealand for five years in the early 2000s.

He worked in the police districts of Auckland City and Manukau counties before returning to the UK in 2008.

“As my counterpart, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, put it this morning, policing is a family,” Coster said.

“While Sergeant Ratana spent most of his career in the UK, anyone serving here will always be part of our New Zealand Police whānau.

“We send our condolences to his friends and family here and abroad, and to his colleagues in the Metropolitan Police and across the UK, who will deeply feel this loss today.”

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern posted on Facebook, saying she was “incredibly saddened” to hear the news.

“For all Matiu whānau around the world, we share their pain and [you] have all our condolences. “

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the ministry was aware of the “tragic” shooting.

“The New Zealand High Commission in London is in contact with the local authorities.

“Our thoughts are with the officer’s whānau and all his police colleagues.”

Andrew Thompson, a New Zealander living near Croydon, said the atmosphere was “bleak” following the news that the officer killed was a New Zealander.

“We are all feeling the devastating tide this has caused in our united community here in London, that one of our own has been so unnecessarily lost.”

Thompson said: “We are all so far from home … and we are all sending our deepest condolences to the family of Sergeant Matt Ratana.”