Police honour guard for sergeant killed on duty

HUNDREDS of police formed a guard of honor for slain Sergeant Matt Ratana yesterday – the “gentle giant” who would win over the force’s harshest critics with his humour and charm.

- John Twomey

In traditional uniforms, helmets, and white gloves, colleagues marched through streets near Buckingham Palace to the memorial event.

Girlfriend Su Bushby told those gathered at the Westminster service about her first meeting with Matt in 2015.

She said: “At the time I had no idea that this man was going to play such a major part in my life.

“On our first date, he took me to his gym. On our first ‘proper’ date I was watching the All Blacks at London’s Olympic Stadium. A sign of things to come maybe? It was clear from the outset he was a caring, considerate, fun-loving man. His huge smile was infectious.

“He was my rock, my best friend, my partner, my confidant, and my gentle giant. Then he was gone.”