Matt Ratana, the policeman killed in Croydon

The killer was carrying a gun before passing through the metal detector

The death of a policeman is a rare event in the United Kingdom, where the vast majority of officers continue to act unarmed. The BBC network said that only 16 other London policemen have been killed by a firearm since World War II.The police said the incident occurred around 2.15am while the man was being held in the Croydon custody centre, where arrested suspects are being processed. Officer Matt Ratana died in hospital.It is believed that the 23-year-old suspect then used the gun on himself. He was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and his condition is serious. Other police officers did not open fire. Matt Ratana was close to retirement from the police, having served for 29 years.  Playing rugby for a number of top clubs, including the Irish in London, Ratana could have gone pro - but instead chose to join the police and serve the people of his adopted city and country.