Tragic Killing of Police Sgt Matt Ratana in Croydon Custody Centre
Detective Superintendent Nick Blackburn, leading the homicide probe into the fatal shooting of Police Sergeant Matt Ratana, has revealed fresh details of the investigation. Sgt Ratana was shot in the Croydon Custody Centre on 25th September 2020.
Routine Stop Ends in Horror
Just after 1.30am on Friday 25th September, officers on patrol near Pollards Hill, London, stopped a 23-year-old man for a search. The officers found suspected drugs and ammunition on him. He was arrested for possession of ammunition and drugs with intent to supply, then taken to Croydon custody centre.
At the centre, the suspect was handcuffed in a holding room. Sgt Ratana entered to carry out his duties when the man suddenly pulled a gun and fired several shots. Both were injured in the attack.
Police Sgt Ratana Dies at Hospital
- Emergency teams treated Sgt Ratana at the scene before rushing him to hospital.
- Tragically, he was pronounced dead at 4.10am.
- A revolver was recovered from the scene.
- The wounded suspect remains in hospital in critical condition.
- No police firearms were fired during the incident.
Ongoing Murder Investigation
The Home Office pathologist’s post-mortem confirmed death was caused by a gunshot wound to the chest. The Met’s Specialist Crime Command is leading the murder investigation, backed by officers across the force.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a separate probe into the circumstances since the suspect was seriously injured in custody.
Detectives continue to examine crime scenes, review CCTV and officers’ bodycam footage. They are determined to uncover why this brutal attack happened.
“The murder of Police Sergeant Matt Ratana has deeply shocked and saddened all of us in the Metropolitan Police, as it has the whole nation. Be assured, the Metropolitan Police will conduct a thorough and professional investigation into his murder.”
Related: Drugs, firearms, police shooting, Croydon, London Ambulance Service, IOPC, Metropolitan Police
