Police officer killed in Croydon named as rugby head coach - Ruck

Police officer killed in Croydon named as rugby head coach

The Police have named the officer killed at Croydon police station as Matthew Ratana.

New Zealand-born Sgt Ratana. who moved to the UK in 1989, was two months away from retirement when he was shot in the chest in Croydon on Friday.

The 23-year-old male suspect then turned the gun on himself and was taken to hospital, where he is still in a critical condition. The incident took place at around 2.15am at Croydon custody centre

The officer, known as Matt, had served with the Metropolitan police for nearly 30 years, according to his social media pages.

As well as serving as a police officer, Ratana was the head coach for East Grinstead Rugby FC. In a promotional video on the club’s website, Ratana explains that “Having previously competed at a national level, one of our goals is to return to the London Leagues.”

Credit: https://www.egrfc.com/

Ratana was described as “an inspiration” by a friend who knew him from playing rugby together.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement: “My deepest condolences go to the family, friends and colleagues of the police officer who was killed in Croydon last night.

“We owe a huge debt to those who risk their own lives to keep us safe.”