Croydon: Police Officer Shot Dead Named As West Sussex Rugby Coach Matt Ratana

A police officer who was shot dead in Croydon custody centre this morning (Friday) has been named as Matt Ratana, head coach at East Grinstead Rugby Club.

Police said Matt Ratana, aged 54, who was a custody sergeant, was killed after being shot by a man who was already in custody in south London, at around 2.15am.

The suspect, a 23-year-old man, then reportedly turned the gun on himself and was taken to hospital.

He remained there in a critical condition on Friday evening. 

Sky report that Met Police commissioner, Cressida Dick, called Mr Ratana a "talented" rugby player and coach, who was "big in stature and big in heart".

She told a press conference: "His colleagues knew him as a big guy. Big in stature, big in heart, friendly, capable, a lovely man, respected by his colleagues.

"He was very well known locally and he will be remembered so fondly in Croydon and missed there, as well as in the Met."

He leaves behind a partner and an adult son from a previous relationship, she added.

In a statement this evening, Bob Marsh, Chairman, and Andy Poole, President of East Grinstead Rugby Footbal Club said:

"East Grinstead Rugby Football Club are utterly devastated to hear the tragic news that the Police Sergeant who lost his life in Croydon, was our Head Coach, Matt Ratana.

"Matt was an inspiring and much-loved figure at the club and there are truly no words to describe how we are feeling.

"We would like to take some time as a club and community to begin to comprehend what has happened.

"Our deepest and sincerest condolences go to Matt’s loved ones, family, friends, colleagues and to our community rugby family at this most terrible time."

Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner paid tribute on Twitter.

Read more here.