Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a Metropolitan Police officer who was shot dead at a custody centre in south London.
Matiu Ratana, 54, died after being shot at Croydon Custody Centre during the early hours of Friday. The officer, also known as Matt, joined the police in 1991 and served in the force for almost 30 years.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said he was a long-serving and "much-loved" officer. She described him as "big in stature, big in heart, friendly, capable, a lovely man and highly respected by his colleagues".
One friend said Sgt Ratana was looking forward to retirement and told the PA news agency: "I think he earned his stripes, if you ask me." The police officer leaves behind a partner and an
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