Moving tributes paid to Matt Ratana at funeral in Sussex

The memorial for the 54-year-old at a chapel in Shoreham was attended in person this morning by a limited number of his family, friends and close colleagues due to coronavirus restrictions.

But the event was live-streamed around the world so that loved ones, including Sergeant Ratana’s family in his native New Zealand as well as in the UK, could join the service.

Mourners, including Sgt Ratana's partner Su Bushby, third from right, before his funeral service in Shoreham today

His coffin was covered in the Met’s ceremonial drape, which is used for a death in service, with his police cap placed on top.

A tribute from his partner Su Bushby was read on her behalf by friend Lorraine Dray.

She 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.

Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Dame Cressida Dick, salutes as the hearse departs

“You were taken far too soon, but your gym, rugby and policing family will help your legacy, your kindness and your spirit live on.

“You have touched so many people’s lives and will be truly missed. My life has been richer and funnier for knowing you and I feel blessed you were in my life.”

She remembered her partner’s “big, infectious smile” and said he would want everyone who knew him to remember him with love.

Matt's son Luke, who is also a police officer, said he had been touched by the tributes paid to his late father.

In a tribute read on his behalf by Met Police Detective Constable Neil Perkin, Sgt Ratana’s son said: “My dad Matthew was certainly larger than life and a man loved by so many people.

"It makes me proud to see the impact he had on people's lives.

Matt Ratana with his partner of five years, Su Bushby

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

"Goodbye dad, and rest in peace until we meet again."

Tributes and wreaths were also given by South Coast Gym and East Grinstead Rugby Club.

Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Cressida Dick also spoke at the service and said the force were lucky to have had Matt among their team.

She said: "Matt was a fantastic professional police officer, a supremely lovely colleague and friend and a true team player.

"Whether you were a street robber or a member of the royal family, he spoke to you the same, with respect and fairness.

"He had time for everyone."

Dame Cressida Dick described Sgt Ratana as "a fantastic professional police officer"

The Metropolitan Police sergeant, who lived in Goring, was only a few months away from retirement when he died from a gunshot wound on September 25.

Sgt Ratana was shot by a handcuffed suspect at at Croydon custody centre.

The Met said a full service memorial for Sgt Ratana will be planned once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation has been set up by East Grinstead Rugby Club to raise money for the Atlas Foundation, which helps deprived young people through rugby communities and initiatives.

For more information or to donate, visit the website here.