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The partner of Matiu Ratana, the police officer who was killed in a South London police station, has paid tribute to the man they described as a “gentle giant” who had touched many lives.
There are really no words for how I feel right now about the loss of Matt; about losing someone he loved and was so close to in such a tragic way, “said Su Bushby, who was in a relationship with the metropolitan police sergeant for five years.
“I know that Matt touched the lives of many, many people with his kindness, patience, kindness, enthusiasm and affection,” he added in a statement issued through the metropolitan police.
“I had the pleasure of sharing five years of my life with this charming man, my gentle giant, with his infectious smile and his big heart. I think of him with tenderness and love.
“Matt was my partner, friend, confidant, supporter and soul mate. We will miss him very much, but we will never forget him. Matt will always be in my head and in my heart. ”
Ratana, originally from Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand, arrived in London in 1989, two years before joining the force. A former professional rugby player who was about to retire from the police force, he had also been the head coach of the East Grinstead rugby club.
The tribute came when a minute’s silence was held in the House of Commons and a series of community leaders and charity leaders in Croydon paid tribute to him in a video shared on social media Monday.
Interior Secretary Priti Patel said she will introduce a police pact to enshrine support for officers and their families in the law.
She told MPs: “I will continue to do everything in my power to protect you, including spearheading work to double the sentences for attacks on emergency workers and also legislating to introduce a police pact to enshrine support for our officers and their families in law. “
No police firearms were fired in the incident and the case is not being treated as terrorism-related. A second man was also arrested in Norwich, Norfolk on suspicion of supplying a firearm.
The suspect in the shooting is Louis de Zoysa, 23, sources told The Guardian. He remains in the hospital in critical condition.
