Sgt Matt Ratana, 54, died from a gunshot wound to the chest after being fired upon inside police station, inquest hears
- Policeman shot while preparing to search handcuffed suspect in Croydon
- Preliminary post-mortem report was read at Croydon Coroner’s Court today
- Detectives are still yet to speak to the alleged gunman, Louis De Zoysa, 23
Metropolitan Police Sergeant Matt Ratana died from a gunshot wound to the chest after being fired upon inside a police station, according to a post-mortem report read at his inquest today.
The 54-year-old was shot as he was preparing to search a handcuffed suspect who had managed to smuggle a revolver into the custody suite in Croydon, south London on September 25.
Police are yet to speak to the alleged gunman, Louis De Zoysa, 23, who is in a critical condition in hospital after he shot himself as he opened fire.
Sergeant Matt Ratana was shot dead in a London police station by a handcuffed suspect
The Metropolitan Police officer of almost 30 years has been described as someone who epitomised the role police play in protecting others and, as head coach at East Grinstead Rugby Club, was said to be an ‘irreplaceable figure’.
Sue Bushby, Mr Ratana’s partner, paid tribute to her ‘friend, confidant, support and soul mate’ in a statement released last month.
She said: ‘There aren’t really any words for how I am feeling right now about the loss of Matt; about losing someone I loved, and was so close to, in such a tragic manner.
‘I know Matt touched many, many people’s lives with his friendliness, patience, kindness, enthusiasm and caring ways.
‘I had the pleasure of sharing five years of my life with this lovely man – my gentle giant, with his infectious smile and big heart. I think of him with tenderness and love.’
Sgt. Ratana receiving a long and good service medal from the Commissioner Cressida Dick on May 31 2017