Police Sergeant Matt Ratana was wrongfully killed after police failed to find a weapon hidden on a handcuffed suspect

A police sergeant was unlawfully killed after his colleagues failed to carry out a “safe, thorough and systematic” search, a coroner has ruled.

Sgt Matt Ratana was shot dead in a police station custody cell in September 2020 by Louis de Zoysa, who was handcuffed and firing a gun.

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The police missed the gun, although they found bullets on De Zoysa when he was arrested.

He is serving a life sentence for the murder.

Senior coroner Sarah Ormond-Walshe concluded yesterday at the hearing in Croydon, south London, that there was an “error” in the checks.

Stuart Cundy, from the Met, said: “My first thoughts are with Matt’s partner Su and his family.

“The horrific act of violence that took Matt from them continues to have a lasting impact on all of his loved ones and the vast number of people whose lives he touched, both inside and outside the Met.”

He added: “The arresting officers recognized that their search and observation of de Zoysa could have been more systematic and should have found the firearm.”

“We will never forget Matt and will continue to honor his legacy, which will live on through his family, his many friends and colleagues at the Met, in his rugby foundation and beyond.”

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