A 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-year-old was head coach.

The Met Police officer, from Goring, was killed while on duty at Croydon police station late last month when he was shot in the chest by a handcuffed suspect.

Following his death, EGRFC began a campaign asking people to nominate their coach for the Unsung Hero 2020 award.

Today the BBC confirmed the campaign had been a success.

The Argus:

The BBC said "The Unsung Hero Award seeks to celebrate volunteers whose efforts have meant sports clubs have made a positive impact in local communities."

This is not the only way the rugby club and its members have shown their immense respect and admiration for Sgt Ratana.

The club set up a Just Giving page "to develop rugby initiatives that were close to Matt’s heart" which has already raised £7,200 of its £15,000 target despite only being formed a fortnight ago.

It is also urging rugby players from all over the world to post black and white pictures of themselves and their clubs on social media using the hashtag, "#try4Matt".

This are to be accompanied with the message: "In honour of the late Matt Ratana I’m posting this picture of (*me/my child/my team – *delete where appropriate) doing what he loved best…playing rugby."

The Argus:

EGRFC player Max Crawley-Moore said: "We hope by posting these pictures, they will lift everyone’s spirits sharing their wonderful rugby memories in Matt’s memory."

The club's president, Andy Poole, also paid tribute to the "rugby hero" with "an infectious laugh".

He said: "Matt was devoted to the club, the coaching staff and to every single player that ran onto the pitch.

The Argus:

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

"As a Head Coach for the last three seasons and a personal friend to me and so many others at the club, Matt was always bringing in new and exciting ideas and was a true role model, mentor and often father figure.

The Argus:

"(He was) a Kiwi with an infectious laugh, who loved to chat, making time for anyone who crossed his path."

The winner of the Unsung Hero category will be announced live at the Sports Personality of the Year Awards on December 13.