Partner of Sgt Matt Ratana pays tribute to him as a "gentle giant"

Sgt Matt Ratana & Police Commissioner Cressida Dick
Sgt Matt Ratana & Police Commissioner Cressida Dick Credit: Metropolitan Police

The partner of a police officer who was shot dead at a police custody centre in London has paid tribute.

54-year-old Matt Ratana was shot by a handcuffed suspect in the early hours of Friday morning at a custody suite in Croydon.

The Metropolitan Police officer of almost 30 years has been described as someone who epitomised the role police play in protecting others an - as head coach at East Grinstead Rugby Club - was said to be an “irreplaceable figure”.

54-year-old Matt Ratana was shot by a handcuffed suspect in the early hours of Friday morning at a custody suite in Croydon. Credit: Metropolitan Police

Su Bushby, the partner of Matt Ratana, has paid tribute to him as  a "gentle giant", adding "he will be greatly missed but never forgotten".