Matt Ratana funeral: Tributes paid to police officer 'with lion's heart' in live-streamed ceremony

‘It makes me very proud to see impact he has had,’ son says

The funeral service for police officer Sergeant Matt Ratana has taken place in West Sussex (PA)

Mourners have paid tribute to Sergeant Matt Ratana at his funeral, with the boss of the Metropolitan Police honouring a “great police officer” who had a “generous lion’s heart”.

A ceremony was held on Wednesday for the 54-year-old, who was shot dead by a handcuffed suspect while on duty at a south London custody centre in September. 

Sgt Ratana’s funeral was live-streamed, with those in the officer’s native New Zealand joining virtually for the service, which was held at a chapel in Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex. 

The memorial was attended in person by a limited number of the police officer’s family, friends and close colleagues due to coronavirus restrictions.

His coffin was covered in the Metropolitan Police's ceremonial drape, which is used for a death in service, with his police cap placed on top and a traditional Maori weapon sent by colleagues in New Zealand.

A photo tribute from his son Luke stood on a table, reading: “Dad, Till we meet again, Aroha nui (much love) Luke." 

A tribute from his partner, Su Bushby, which was read out at the service by a friend, said: "Matt made the most of every minute of his precious 54 years. In any situation or room he walked into, his presence would always be felt. Like a big ball of energy."

It added: "Matt, my partner, my friend, my confidante and my soulmate. You will always be in my heart and in my soul. I miss you. I love you."

In a tribute read on his behalf by colleague Detective Constable Neil Perkin, Sgt Ratana's son said: “It makes me very proud to see the impact that he has had and how he touched the lives of so many.

"This has been a devastating and tragic event, but nothing we can do can change what has happened.

"My wish is that people come together, support one another and find solace and comfort in the sharing of their happy memories of Matthew's life.

"Goodbye Dad. Rest in peace till we meet again."

Met Police boss Dame Cressida told the memorial Sgt Ratana had received a number of commendations during his service, including when while off duty he followed a suspect armed with a firearm and a knife.

She said: “The key to what made Matt a great police officer has already been mentioned - his lovely nature, and his big generous lion's heart.”

Floral tributes in the chapel included a wreath from the UK home secretary Priti Patel, an All Blacks rugby shirt with "Matt" in white lettering, and a wreath from the East Grinstead rugby club.

Former All Blacks captain Zinzan Brooke led a Haka outside the chapel, along with members of the London-based New Zealand culture group Ngati Ranana, following the service.

Sgt Ratana was killed by a 23-year-old suspect in a Croydon custody suite in late September. 

The 54-year-old police officer was shot in the chest as he prepared to search the suspect with a metal detector, an inquest has heard. 

Additional reporting by Press Association