A memorial is to be unveiled remembering a police officer who was shot and killed on duty.

Sergeant Matt Ratana was murdered while on duty for the Metropolitan Police when Louis de Zoysa opened fire with an antique revolver.

Now, the force will remember Sgt Ratana, from Goring, with a memorial dedicated to the officer.

Met Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “This memorial is a fitting tribute to Matt, an outstanding police officer, husband, father, friend and mentor who is deeply missed by all those who knew him.

"I speak on behalf of the entire Metropolitan Police Service when I say how proud we are of Matt's unwavering service and dedication to policing, and to the public. He left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered and his legacy is something we must ensure lives on.

“This tribute will forever serve as a reminder to us all, and future generations, of the ultimate sacrifice Matt made in the line of duty. We will remember him always.”

The 54-year-old was three months from retirement when De Zoysa opened fire at Croydon Custody Suite.

Other officers failed to find the gun when they searched De Zoysa. A coroner slammed the “failure to carry out a safe, thorough and systematic search” at an inquest into his death.

Sgt Ratana’s partner of five years, Su Bushby, told reporters at the time she was “angry” because his death “should have been avoided”.

The memorial stone for Sgt Ratana will be unveiled at Croydon custody suite and will be illuminated at night.

The stone will be unveiled on Wednesday in a ceremony attended by Sgt Ratana’s partner and son.

Geraldine Winner, chairwoman of the Police Memorial Trust who provided the stone, said: “The Police Memorial Trust is both honoured and proud to dedicate this memorial to the memory of Sergeant Matiu Ratana on behalf of the nation.

“Matt was a dedicated professional police officer who was killed doing his duty, serving the people of London.

“This memorial is a fitting tribute to Sergeant Matiu. It will also remind the public of the service, sacrifice and inherent dangers police officers face every day.”