Man charged with murder for shooting police officer

A 23-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Sergeant Matt Ratana, who was shot dead at Croydon Custody Center last year.

Louis de Zoysa, 23, was charged with murder on Tuesday and has been in hospital in a “stable, non-life-threatening condition” under police guard since the incident on September 25, 2020.

New Zealand-born Sgt Ratana died of a gunshot wound to the chest, a post-mortem examination found.

The suspected killer was handcuffed at the time of the shooting and also suffered gunshot wounds, the Metropolitan Police said at the time.

De Zoysa, of Park Road, Banstead, Surrey, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The accused is to appear via video link.

The Met said investigators had been in “close contact” with de Zoysa’s medical condition and the Crown Prosecution Service since the murder.

Recent changes in De Zoysa’s medical condition are said to have led to the decision to also charge him with murder, as well as possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition.

The force said the victim’s partner Su Bushby and his son were kept up to date with the latest developments in the case.

After Sergeant Ratana’s death, Ms Bushby described him as a “gentle giant”.

In a tribute, she said: “Matt was my partner, friend, confidant, support and soul mate.

“He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Matt will always be in my head and in my heart.”