A SUSPECT accused of shooting a police sergeant has been named.

Louis De Zoysa is alleged to have fired the shots that killed Police Sergeant Matt Ratana in Croydon on Friday.

Sgt Ratana, from Goring, died from his injuries caused at the custody centre.

The New Zealander was just months away from retirement after serving as an officer since 1991.

The Argus:

He died in hospital after being shot as a handcuffed suspect was being taken into custody.

The shots were fired as officers prepared to search the suspect - who was still handcuffed - with a metal detector, according to watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The IOPC will look at CCTV and body worn footage from the officers involved in the arrest.

The Argus:

It is alleged that a suspect also shot himself in custody.

Media has reported that 23-year-old Louis De Zoysa, from Norbury, was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains critically ill in hospital.

It is believed he was first arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs and possessing firearms ammunition.

Read more on this story: Second arrest made as police probe shooting of police sergeant

The BBC reported that officers have not yet been able to speak to Mr De Zoysa about the incident.

A second man was also arrested in Norwich on suspicion of supplying ammunition, it was reported.

Sgt Ratana was a popular figure as head coach of East Grinstead Rugby Football Club.

At the weekend Sussex rugby clubs paid their tributes to him.

The Argus:

East Grinstead RFC chairman Bob Marsh and president Andy Poole paid tribute to the “talented” police officer.

They said: “East Grinstead Rugby Football Club are utterly devastated to hear the tragic news that the Police Sergeant who lost his life in Croydon, was our Head Coach, Matt Ratana.

Read more on this story: Rugby clubs give their tributes to Police Sergeant Matt Ratana who was shot dead

“Matt was an inspiring and much-loved figure at the club and there are truly no words to describe how we are feeling.

The Argus:

“We would like to take some time as a club and community to begin to comprehend what has happened.

“Our deepest and sincerest condolences go to Matt’s loved ones, family, friends, colleagues and to our community rugby family at this most terrible time.”

The Argus:

Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick led tributes with London Mayor Sadiq Khan and other officers in a minute’s silence.

She said he was “big in stature, big in heart, friendly, capable, a lovely man and highly respected by his colleagues”, and leaves behind a partner and adult son, Dame Cressida Dick said.