Worthing policeman remembered with spine-tingling haka at Shoreham funeral

Sergeant Matt Ratana, a policeman from Worthing who was killed in Croydon, has been remembered in an emotional funeral.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Sergeant Ratana was tragically killed after being shot in the chest by a handcuffed suspect in Croydon Custody Centre on September 25.

On Wednesday, Sgt Ratana's family, friends and colleagues gathered to pay their respects in a small service in Shoreham.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Members of the London Māori Club, led by former New Zealand All Black rugby player Zinzan Brooke, also performed a spine-tingling Māori haka as his hearse left the service.

Sergeant Matt RatanaSergeant Matt Ratana
Sergeant Matt Ratana

Sgt Ratana hailed from New Zealand and was a well-known face among Sussex's rugby community, perhaps most notably as head coach at East Grinstead Rugby Club.

At the service, his partner Su Bushby gave a tribute read by her friend, Lorraine Dray.

She remembered Sgt Ratana as a gentle giant with an infectious smile, who always had time for everybody.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"In any situation or room he walked into, his presence would always be felt," she said.

"Like a big ball of energy. You were taken far too soon.

"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, you will be truly missed. My life has been richer and funnier for knowing you and I feel blessed you were in my life."

Commissioner Cressida Dick also paid tribute to Sgt Ratana during the service. She said: "Matt was a fantastic, professional police officer. A brilliant Sergeant and a leader. A supremely loyal colleague and friend, a true team player.

"Matt was the ultimate team player. His team, the public order team, the Met team. All the other teams. He loved them. Policing is all about teams and Matt knew that.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"A great leader, in the shadows often. Everyone wanted Matt on their team and everyone wanted to be on Matt’s team.

"His legacy in policing will live on in all those people he has trained, encouraged, taught and in the inspiration he gives to police people now and for generations to come.

"Thank you Matt for all you have done and all you have given in nearly 30 years of service to London and the public.

"We miss you, we honour you, we won’t forget you.

"And, to quote, one of your teams who loved and love you dearly – ‘we’ll take it from here, Sarg'.’"