Prince William's tribute to shot dead officer: Duke visits Croydon police station for private talk with partner of Sgt Matt Ratana who was killed by suspect who smuggled firearm into cell

  • Duke of Cambridge meets Sergeant Ratana's colleagues at Croydon Custody Centre in South London
  • William hears about their memories of working with 54-year-old officer who was killed last September
  • Duke lays wreath for Sgt Ratana who was shot by a suspect who had hands handcuffed behind his back

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Prince William today paid tribute to Sergeant Matt Ratana as he visited the custody suite in South London where the Metropolitan Police officer was shot dead seven months ago.

The Duke of Cambridge met some of Sgt Ratana's colleagues at Croydon Custody Centre to hear about their memories of working with the officer who was with the force for 29 years until he was killed last September.

William observed a moment of reflection for the 54-year-old who was shot by a suspect who had his hands handcuffed behind his back. The Duke laid a wreath and also held a private meeting with his partner, Su Busby. 

The Duke was joined by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick during his visit this morning, and told her: 'I've wanted to come here for a while'. She replied: 'It's going to mean a lot to people.' 

After leaving the flowers on the bench, which features a small plaque engraved with the words 'In memory of Sergeant Matt Ratana', William stepped back and bowed his head for a few moments. 

Prince William speaks with Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick at Croydon Custody Centre this morning

Prince William speaks with Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick at Croydon Custody Centre this morning 

The Duke of Cambridge lays a wreath in memory of Sergeant Matt Ratana during a visit to Croydon Custody Centre today

The Duke of Cambridge lays a wreath in memory of Sergeant Matt Ratana during a visit to Croydon Custody Centre today

Prince William observes a moment of reflection for Sergeant Matt Ratana at Croydon Custody Centre in South London today

Prince William observes a moment of reflection for Sergeant Matt Ratana at Croydon Custody Centre in South London today

Prince William speaks today to colleagues of Sergeant Matt Ratana who shot and killed on duty at Croydon Custody Centre

Prince William speaks today to colleagues of Sergeant Matt Ratana who shot and killed on duty at Croydon Custody Centre

William meets the Met's first welfare and wellbeing support dog, Dexter, who helps officers deal with stressful incidents

William meets the Met's first welfare and wellbeing support dog, Dexter, who helps officers deal with stressful incidents 

William, 38, who took part in the engagement without his wife Kate, also then joined a group of staff and officers to hear more about what the Metropolitan Police is doing to support the mental health of its workforce.

He heard about initiatives such as Operation Hampshire, which helps those who have been injured or assaulted whilst at work, and the Mental Health Network which works to break down the stigma of mental health.

This supports and directs officers and staff to both internal and external support, including a volunteer peer-support service run by a team of 1,200 trained 'blue light champions'. 

He also met the Met Police's first welfare and wellbeing support dog, Dexter, who helps officers deal with stressful and traumatic incidents they come across on duty. The visit took place during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Inspector Wil Ajose-Adeogun, Sgt Ratana's line manager and close friend, said: 'Meeting the Duke today brought back many fond memories of Matt, his enormous energy, his sense of duty and his overwhelming kindness.

'He was not just our colleague, he was our dear friend. His personality was the life and sound of Croydon Custody Centre and we all miss him dearly.'

The Duke told Ms Dick today: 'I've wanted to come here for a while' - and she replied: 'It's going to mean a lot to people'

The Duke told Ms Dick today: 'I've wanted to come here for a while' - and she replied: 'It's going to mean a lot to people'

Prince William speaks to colleagues of Sgt Ratana as he visits Croydon Custody Centre in South London this morning

Prince William speaks to colleagues of Sgt Ratana as he visits Croydon Custody Centre in South London this morning

During today's visit, William learned about what the Metropolitan Police is doing to support the mental health of its workforce

During today's visit, William learned about what the Metropolitan Police is doing to support the mental health of its workforce

Prince William today paid tribute to Sergeant Matt Ratana as he visited the custody suite with Commissioner Ms Dick today

Prince William today paid tribute to Sergeant Matt Ratana as he visited the custody suite with Commissioner Ms Dick today

Later, when chatting to the officer's former colleague and friend Sergeant Steve Braithwaite, William said: 'Clearly he was the heart and soul of the police station.

'He liked his hugs as well, apparently. He left behind a legacy and touched a lot of lives.'

Sgt Ratana, a coach at East Grinstead Rugby Club, had served in a number of London boroughs and teams before transferring in 2015 to Croydon, where he was a custody sergeant.

Speaking after the visit, Sgt Braithwaite said: 'Prince William asked how we deal with death, and I said we would usually get drunk and make morbid jokes, to get through it, but we haven't been able to do that because of lockdown and he said 'Let me know when you do' and he would join us one day.'

Describing his reaction when he learned his friend had died, he said: 'I felt numb. It was horrific. It's been really tough.

'Even now I'm still a bit numb and not got to grieve and still think he will come round the corner again and give one of his big bear hugs. The atmosphere was tough here for a while, but it has got better slowly.' 

Sgt Ratana was remembered as a 'gentle giant' and 'irreplaceable figure'
Sgt Matt Ratana with his partner Su Busby

Sgt Ratana (above, including with his partner Su Busby, right) was remembered as a 'gentle giant' and 'irreplaceable figure'

A bench in memory of Sgt Matt Ratana in the grounds of Croydon Custody Suite in South London is pictured today

A bench in memory of Sgt Matt Ratana in the grounds of Croydon Custody Suite in South London is pictured today

Dame Cressida said after the royal visit: 'The awful killing of Sergeant Matt Ratana sent shockwaves through the Met and I know we continue to mourn his loss.

'Matt left a powerful legacy across the Met and I was proud to welcome His Royal Highness to Croydon Custody Centre and to meet some of Matt's colleagues and friends.

'Police officers put themselves in harm's way to keep people safe every day and they can be exposed to very harrowing and traumatic experiences.

'I am extremely proud of the men and women across the Met who support colleagues who have experienced trauma, breaking down the stigma of mental health and ensuring those who need help are supported.'

On November 13 last year, Louis de Zoysa, 23, was arrested on suspicion of murdering Sgt Ratana. This came after his condition, originally critical, had later 'stabilised' and police said it was 'no longer considered life-threatening'. 

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick paid tribute to Sgt Ratana at a funeral in Shoreham-by-Sea last November

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick paid tribute to Sgt Ratana at a funeral in Shoreham-by-Sea last November

The Haka is performed as the hearse leaves the funeral service of Sgt Matt Ratana in Shoreham-by-Sea last November

The Haka is performed as the hearse leaves the funeral service of Sgt Matt Ratana in Shoreham-by-Sea last November

However, no one has been charged over the shooting in the early hours of September 25. Sgt Ratana was killed as he prepared to search a handcuffed suspect. He was taken to hospital but died from his wounds.

Dame Cressida was among those who paid tribute to the New Zealand-born officer at a funeral held at a chapel in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, in November last year.

Previous tributes to Sgt Ratana following his death remembered the police officer as a 'gentle giant' and 'irreplaceable figure' who was part of the 'police family'.

An inquest opened at Croydon Coroner's Court on October 1 last year heard that Sgt Ratana had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and died at St George's Hospital in Tooting. 

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