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New Zealand-born Sergeant Ratana, 54, died in hospital after being shot by a handcuffed suspect
The couple of a murdered police officer in Croydon have paid tribute to the “gentle giant, with his infectious smile and his big heart.”
Su Bushby said Sergeant Matiu Ratana, with whom he spent five years of his life, “touched the lives of many, many people.”
She added: “Matt was my partner, friend, confidant, supporter and soul mate.”
Sergeant Ratana, 54, died in hospital Friday after being shot when a suspect in handcuffs was being detained.
The suspect, 23-year-old Louis De Zoysa of Norbury, who is believed to have also shot himself, remains seriously ill at the hospital.
A man was also arrested in Norwich on suspicion of supplying a firearm on Sunday. He is being detained at a South London police station.
Mrs. Bushby’s tribute came after House of Commons MPs fell silent on Monday afternoon to pay their respects to the seasoned officer.
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I met the police
Commissioner Cressida Dick had worked with Sergeant Matiu Ratana
“There really are no words to express how I feel right now about the loss of Matt; about losing someone that I loved and was so close to in such a tragic way,” said Ms. Bushby.
“I know that Matt touched the lives of many, many people with his kindness, patience, kindness, enthusiasm and affection.
“I had the pleasure of sharing five years of my life with this charming man, my gentle giant, with his contagious smile and his big heart. I think of him with tenderness and love.”
“We will miss him very much, but we will never forget him. Matt will always be in my head and in my heart.”
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Neil Donohue
Matiu Ratana, known as Matt, was an avid rugby coach, a fan of high performance motorcycles and weight training.
Meanwhile, police continue to search farmland in Surrey believed to be related to the officer’s murder.
Five police vehicles were seen at the site on Park Road, Banstead, on Monday.
