THE MAN suspected of shooting dead police sergeant Matt Ratana has been hospitalised with coronavirus, it has been reported.

Louis De Zoysa, who allegedly shot the 54-year-old rugby coach from Goring, is said to be "seriously ill" in hospital with Covid-19.

The 23-year-old, who was also hit in the neck by a bullet, has remained under police guard in hospital since the shooting on September 25.

Sgt Ratana died from a gunshot wound to the chest after being injured at the Croydon Custody Centre.

Mr De Zoysa was being booked into custody and was in handcuffs at the time.

The Argus:

A Scotland Yard spokesman told the MailOnline that officers were liaising with medical staff to make an assessment of when Mr De Zoysa would be fit to interview.

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In an emotional tribute at the time of his death, Ratana's partner Su Bushby said the Sussex Rugby coach was a "gentle giant".

She said: "There aren’t really any words for how I am feeling right now about the loss of Matt; about losing someone I loved and was so close to in such a tragic manner.

"I know Matt touched many, many people’s lives with his friendliness, patience, kindness, enthusiasm and caring ways.

The Argus: Matt Ratana

"I had the pleasure of sharing five years of my life with this lovely man - my gentle giant, with his infectious smile and big heart. I think of him with tenderness and love.

"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."

Flowers were laid outside the site of the attack in Croydon following the incident while police forces across the country, the House of Commons and several of his former rugby clubs observed a minute of silence in tribute.