Matt Ratana died ‘from a single gunshot wound to the chest’ in Croydon shooting

Police Sergeant Matt Ratana died of a gunshot wound to the chest, an inquest into his death has heard.

Sgt Ratana was killed at a custody center in Croydon as he prepared to search a handcuffed suspect, who is in a critical condition in hospital after he was also hit by a bullet.

He had been arrested for possession of ammunition and Class B drugs with intent to supply following a stop and search.

No police weapons were fired in Friday’s incident, which is not being treated as terror-related.

On Thursday, a preliminary post-mortem examination report read at Croydon Coroner’s Court said the chest wound was the cause of death.

Watch: Matt Ratana’s partner pays tribute

Superintendent Nick Blackburn told the inquest that the suspect, who was first apprehended in Pollards Hill, south London, was taken to a holding cell with handcuffs still on.

“Custody Sergeant Matt Ratana entered the detention room,” said DI Blackburn.

“The suspect discharged the weapon multiple times during which the sergeant and the suspect were injured.”

A revolver was later recovered from the scene.

Sgt Ratana was taken to St George’s Hospital in Tooting but was pronounced dead at 4.20am, the inquest heard.

The chief coroner for south London, Sarah Ormond-Walshe, adjourned the hearing to a later date.

MPs, Prince Charles, celebrities, his partner and colleagues from the Metropolitan Police paid tribute to the officer, who was nicknamed Matiu and was born in New Zealand.

In a statement on Thursday, New Zealand High Commissioner Bede Corry said: “As a man who has been a police officer in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, he has served both countries uniquely. We know he will be deeply missed.”