23-year-old man arrested in death of Kiwi-born cop Matt Ratana

A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of New Zealand-born policeman Matt Ratana in the UK.

The man has been charged with shooting the 54-year-old Metropolitan Police officer at the Croydon Custody Center in the early hours of September 25.

Ratana was taken to the hospital but later died from his injuries.

The Metropolitan Police say the defendant had been arrested for a separate offense and was detained by officers at the Croydon Custody Center and later taken by ambulance to hospital with a gunshot wound.

No police firearms were fired during the incident, they said in a statement.

“The man’s condition, originally critical, has since stabilized and is no longer considered a threat to his life,” said the Metropolitan Police.

On Friday 13 November (UK time), the man was arrested on suspicion of murder, the Metropolitan Police said.

In September, the man suspected of shooting Ratana was identified as Louis de Zoysa.

“However, while the man remains in the hospital, officers will contact the relevant medical and legal teams to assess when he will be fit for the interview.”

The Metropolitan Police said specialized family liaison officers from the Met’s Crime Specialist Command are in regular contact with and supportive of Matt’s partner, his son and his family in general.

The family has been informed of the arrest.