The Croydon police officer who died after being shot while on duty has been nominated for a BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

Sergeant Matt Ratana is now in the running for the Unsung Hero category after being nominated by East Grinstead Rugby Club (EGRFC) where the 54-yearold was head coach.

He was killed while on duty at Croydon’s Windmill Road custody centre on September 25 when he was shot in the chest by a handcuffed suspect.

Now his club have posthumously put the New Zealand-born coach, of Goringby- Sea, West Sussex, forward for the award which will be announced live on December 13.

The Unsung Hero Award category seeks ‘to celebrate volunteers whose efforts have meant sports clubs have made a positive impact in local communities’.

In a tribute posted on the club’s website on October 1, East Grinstead RFC’s president Andy Poole said: “Matt was devoted to the club, the coaching staff and to every single player that ran onto the pitch.

“It was an absolute privilege to watch him coach, his level of detail was outstanding and his enthusiasm for rugby just inspiring.

“He was totally committed to supporting and developing young players and with so many ambitious plans, he never stopped motivating others and advancing rugby within in the club, especially during these difficult times of Covid-19.

“Matt has earned the admiration of the world and his legacy will live on at East Grinstead RFC.”