Sgt Matiu Ratana shooting: Memorial services held

Matiu Ratana moved to the UK in 1989 and joined the Met Police two years later

A minute's silence has been held in London for Met police sergeant Matiu Ratana, who was shot on duty one year ago.

The 54-year-old was killed as a handcuffed suspect was being taken into custody in Croydon.

A celebration of Mr Ratana's life was held on Saturday at East Grinstead RFC, in West Sussex, where he was the head coach.

Officers will also gather at another London memorial event on 29 November.

Louis De Zoysa, 23, who also suffered a gunshot wound, is due in court on 23 December charged with murder.

East Grinstead RFC marked the anniversary of Mr Ratana's death with a day of rugby matches, a Māori concert and a performance by classical singer Joanna Forest.

A special Māori welcome began the memorial day at East Grinstead earlier

Last year the soprano helped to adapt and release the rugby anthem, 'World In Union, 2020', to support Mr Ratana's BBC's Sports Personality of the Year, 'Unsung Hero' award nomination.

• Rugby club memorial to shot Met Police officer

President of the club, Andy Poole, said: "It's a hard day for me.

"Grief is the last show of love you can give to somebody.

"Please grieve for Matt, but grieve with a smile on your face and love in your heart."

In previous tributes by his fellow players, Mr Ratana, of Goring-by-Sea, was said to be an "irreplaceable figure" who had an "enormous impact".

Sgt Ratana was head coach at East Grinstead rugby club

The November memorial service comes as the force was unable to hold a full funeral at the time of Mr Ratana's death, due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said the service would "allow us to come together in Matt's memory".

She added: "Matt has very much been in our thoughts over the last year, both as we grieve for him but also as we celebrate his life. His legacy lives on with his family and friends from the Met, rugby, and beyond."

The anniversary of Mr Ratana's death and National Police Memorial Day on Sunday meant it was "a time of particular sadness and reflection", she added.