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A 23-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a Met Police sergeant, Scotland Yard has confirmed.

New Zealand-born Matt Ratana was shot dead at Croydon Custody Centre last September.

Louis de Zoysa, 23, was charged with the killing on 29 June, having been in hospital with a “stable, non-life threatening condition” under police guard since the incident on September 25, 2020.

Metropolitan Police Sergeant Matt Ratana died after being shot at a police station in Croydon, south London, last September (file picture/Getty).

The Metropolitan Police said investigators had been in “close liaison” with de Zoysa’s medical condition and the Crown Prosecution Service since the killing.

De Zoysa, of Park Road, Banstead, Surrey, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 30 June.

The defendant is due to appear via video link.

The Met said that recent changes to De Zoysa’s medical condition had led to the decision to charge him and with murder, as well as possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition.

The force said the victim’s partner Su Bushby and his son have been updated with the latest developments to the case.

Following Sgt Ratana’s death, Ms Bushby described him as a “gentle giant”.

In a tribute, she said: “Matt was my partner, friend, confidant, support and soul mate.

“He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Matt will always be in my head and in my heart.”

Additional reporting by PA.

Matt Ratana shooting: Louis de Zoysa charged with murder over Met Police sergeant