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The sergeant killed after being shot by a handcuffed suspect in a custody suite was an “amazing person” who “loved being a police officer,” his cousin said.
Matiu ratanaThe 54-year-old, known as Matt, died in hospital following the shooting in Croydon in the early hours of Friday.
In paying tribute, Adrian Rurawhe described his cousin as someone with a “great personality” who was “easy to interact with.”
Police officer Matt Ratana was shot and killed while detaining a suspect
Police officers have left tribute flowers at the scene.
Sergeant Ratana was originally from Hawke’s Bay on New Zealand’s North Island, but had served in the Metropolitan Police for much of his career.
Rurawhe said her family in New Zealand had been “stunned” by the news of her death.
“We are very saddened, both by the fact that he left too soon and by the nature of how he left,” he said. “The whole family is devastated …
“We will remember him fondly and lovingly. We are very proud of the work he has done as a police officer.”
Eager to retire, Sergeant Ratana was also a coach at East Grinstead Rugby Club.
Mr. Rurawhe described him as “quite intrepid” on the rugby field.
“He loved to play but he also loved to give back,” he told TVNZ. “So he would be a coach and I have no doubt that he would have been contributing to the rugby clubs he was involved in and to the community.
“He was that kind of person. Very generous.”
Rugby player Colm Geraghty, who was coached by Sergeant Ratana, told Sky News: “He inspired me to go and prosper to be the best I can be. He was a leader in the club, everyone follows his example.
“He set the example and everyone follows him. Everyone knew what it meant to play for his team, to play for his jersey. We are completely honored and it’s horrible to hear that he died.
“He wanted the best of you and he did his best to do that for you too.”
Colm Geraghty said his rugby coach inspired him
Sergeant Ratana’s friend, gym owner Neil Donohue, who saw him the day before he died, paid tribute to a “totally genuine guy.”
He said, “He didn’t care which side of the street you walked on. He took you at face value. If you were having a bad day, he would come over and give you a big hug and cheer you on. He was a great friend. He was very loved by all. It’s very sad. “
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she was “incredibly sad” and offered his condolences to family and colleagues.
He added on Facebook: “Sergeant Ratana worked in Auckland City and Manukau Counties until 2008, before returning to the UK. To all Matiu’s whanau (family) around the world, we share his grief and have all our condolences”.
Known as Matt to his family and friends, Sergeant Ratana joined the force in 1991.
He was shot and killed at the Croydon Custody Center in South London by a suspect handcuffed and armed with a revolver around 2.15am on Friday, then died in hospital.
The 23-year-old suspect, who had been arrested for possession of Class B drugs with the intent to supply and possess ammunition, also shot himself during the incident and is in critical but stable condition at the hospital.
Sergeant Ratana was a custody officer in Croydon.
No police firearms were fired and the case is not being treated as terrorism related.
It is understood that the suspect was not considered a subject of concern by the security services, but reports suggest that he may have previously been referred to the anti-extremism program Prevent.
Sky crime correspondent Martin Brunt said: “It appears that the suspect was at some point on the radar of the counterterrorism police, but as far as we know, MI5 never formally investigated him.”
“If anything, he was a peripheral figure in terms of any terrorist connection.”
Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick paid tribute to an officer who was “tall, big-hearted, kind, capable, a charming man, respected by his colleagues.”
She said: “He was well known locally and will be fondly remembered in Croydon and missed there, as well as at the Met.”
Sergeant Ratana leaves behind a partner and an adult son from a previous relationship.
The police have launched an investigation for murder and the watchdog of the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) has also launched an investigation.
The suspect was arrested by regular officers after an arrest and search, then handcuffed behind his back before being taken to the station in a police vehicle.
The IOPC said he was taken into the building and sitting in a detention area in a custody suite, and he opened fire while still handcuffed as officers prepared to search him with a metal detector.
