The suspect in the murder of police officer Sergeant Matiu Ratana in south London is Louis De Zoysa, it has been reported.

New Zealand-born Sgt Ratana, 54, died in hospital after being shot at the Croydon custody centre as he went to search a handcuffed suspect who was being taken into custody early on Friday morning.

Mr De Zoysa, 23, from Norbury, who allegedly also shot himself in the incident, was named as the suspect by the

It is believed the suspect died in hospital, but was revived by medics and is now critically ill under armed guard, and is yet to be questioned by investigators.

Police were still investigating how the suspect allegedly concealed a revolver in his trouser after his stop-and-search arrest for possession of Class B drugs and ammunition.

He is understood to have lived at his £717,000 family home on Southbrook Road, Norbury with his mother Elizabeth, 55, a translator who ran as a Green candidate in local elections, and his Sri Lankan father Channa, 55, a former yoga teacher said to be passionate about recycling who repairs bicycles for free.

The church-going Catholic couple, who run an events company, have five children, including De Zoysa’s younger brother, John, 21, who is doing a masters degree in engineering at Oxford University, and two sisters.

Neighbours have said that Louis is autistic, and describe him as ‘very awkward and kept himself to himself’.

The revelation about the suspect comes as armed police blew the doors off a barn in a ‘huge explosion’ as part of a raid in Surrey.

And a man was also arrested in Norwich on suspicion of supplying a firearm linked to the murder. A Met Police spokesperson said officers were ‘continuing to work around the clock as part of a detailed and thorough investigation’.

On Sunday, Prince Charles led the tributes for Sgt Ratana today while speaking virtually on National Police Memorial Day, saying his death is the ‘latest heartbreaking evidence’ of the daily risks law enforcement officers face. 

He added: ‘The dreadful incident in Croydon on Friday is the latest heartbreaking evidence of the risks faced by our officers daily.

‘I would like to send my deepest sympathy to the families of each of these officers who have given their lives. These are losses we can never replace, sacrifices we can never repay, but of which, as a society, we can only strive to be worthy.’ 

A makeshift memorial has appeared outside Croydon custody centre over the weekend, as Sgt Ratana’s rugby club Middle East University Grinstead observed a minute’s silence for their fallen head coach. 

In new developments during the fast-moving investigation:

  • Sources claim the suspect died in hospital, but was revived by medics and remains in a critical condition;
  • Senior figures have marked National Police Memorial Day, just two days after Sgt Ratana was shot dead;
  • Police have launched an informal review into the incident, looking at how he was ‘patted down’ and why officers found bullets, but not the revolver;
  • Officers have called for a review of stop and search following the killing of the popular sergeant;
  • Tributes from loved-ones, colleagues and politicians continued to pour in for the rugby-loving ‘big friendly bear’;
  • The senior officer was planning to propose to Sue Bushby, his partner of six years, her mother has claimed;
  • Sgt Ratana, known as Matt to family and friends, thought working in the custody suite was his ‘safest option’ as he neared the end of his lengthy police career.  
The suspect in the murder of police officer Sergeant Mattiu Ratana in south London is 23-year-old Louis De Zoysa (pictured), the BBC has reported

The suspect in the murder of police officer Sergeant Mattiu Ratana in south London is 23-year-old Louis De Zoysa (pictured), the BBC has reported

Victim: Sergeant Ratana (pictured with his partner Sue) was allegedly shot by a 23-year-old man who was detained for possession of ammunition at Croydon custody centre in South London

Victim: Sergeant Ratana (pictured with his partner Sue) was allegedly shot by a 23-year-old man who was detained for possession of ammunition at Croydon custody centre in South London

Police are guarding the entrance to a private farm near Banstead Woods, Surrey, where armed officers raided a barn as they investigate the murder of Sgt Matt Ratana

Police are guarding the entrance to a private farm near Banstead Woods, Surrey, where armed officers raided a barn as they investigate the murder of Sgt Matt Ratana

Police stand guard in Banstead, Surrey, outside the barn they raided in the early hours of this morning in connection with the murder of sergeant Matiu Ratana

Police stand guard in Banstead, Surrey, outside the barn they raided in the early hours of this morning in connection with the murder of sergeant Matiu Ratana

A police van is spotted near a farm house in Banstead, Surrey, where they raided a barn in the early hours of the morning

A police van is spotted near a farm house in Banstead, Surrey, where they raided a barn in the early hours of the morning 

Two Surrey Police cars remain parked on the private farm road this morning while investigations continue

Two Surrey Police cars remain parked on the private farm road this morning while investigations continue

Sergeant Matiu Ratana, who was 54, was allegedly shot five times in the chest at point-blank range during the incident on Friday

Sergeant Matiu Ratana, who was 54, was allegedly shot five times in the chest at point-blank range during the incident on Friday