Police Officer Murdered by Suspect in Croydon Custody Centre

Sgt Matiu Ratana, an on-duty Metropolitan Police officer, was murdered by Louis De Zoysa, who pulled the trigger four times, twice of which resulted in Ratana's fatal injury.

De Zoysa had hidden the antique revolver in his underarm holster and shot Ratana at close range without warning.

The altercation occurred at Croydon custody centre in September 2020.

The prosecution claims that De Zoysa had bought the gun at an auction in June 2020 and made his own bullets as ammunition for the gun was no longer manufactured.

The police officers who arrested and searched De Zoysa earlier in the day did not find the loaded revolver.

The trial is being held at Northampton Crown Court, and De Zoysa will be assisted by an intermediary due to communication difficulties.