A Met police officer shot dead by a handcuffed suspect had moved into custody work because he thought it was safer as he approached retirement, a friend said.
Tributes have poured in for Sergeant Matiu Ratana who died after a 23-year-old gunman opened fire at Croydon Custody Centre in south London in the early hours of Friday.
Investigations are looking into how the suspect, who had been detained for possession of ammunition and possession of class B drugs, was able to access the deadly weapon.
Neil Donohue said Sgt Ratana, known as Matt to family and friends, thought working in the custody suite was his "safest option" as he neared the end of his lengthy police career.
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