6 updates
15 August 2016

Ex-Aston Villa footballer Dalian Atkinson dies after being Tasered by police

A 48-year-old man, who died after being shot with a Taser in Telford, Shropshire, has been named locally as former Aston Villa striker Dalian Atkinson.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

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Dalian Atkinson playing for Aston Villa in 1994 Credit: PA

The police officer who Tasered Dalian Atkinson was not wearing a body camera, the IPCC has said as it begins its investigation into his death.

None of the officers who attended the scene were wearing body cameras, the IPCC added.

IPCC deputy chair Rachel Cerfontyne said: “I would like to assure people that we have begun a full and thorough investigation into police contact with Dalian Atkinson prior to his death, including the level and type of force used.

"Our investigation team have been securing and preserving relevant evidence, and identifying witnesses."

Former Aston Villa manager Ron Atkinson said Dalian Atkinson "always had a smile on his face" as he led tributes to the former Villa striker.

The former footballer died after being Tasered by police.

Ron Atkinson said: "He was a happy sort of guy, always smiling and very popular with his team mates."

Fabian Atkinson Credit: PA

A relative of retired football star Dalian Atkinson has said he had a "weak heart" and claimed police would not have Tasered him if they had known his medical history.

Fabian Atkinson said his uncle had recently battled through kidney problems, undergoing dialysis.

Mr Atkinson, who last saw the ex-footballer three weeks ago, said: "He had some health issues that he was trying to get through and that's why his heart was weak.

"When a Taser is deployed, as soon as a Taser is deployed, they need to automatically call an ambulance. How do they know the health of the guy or the girl that they are affecting?"

He said his uncle was a compassionate person and agreed with descriptions of him as a "gentle giant" who had inspired others and wanted them to do well in life.

Dalian Atkinson (r) died after he was hit by a police stun gun. Credit: Tony Harris / PA Wire

Former Aston Villa manager Ron Atkinson has said the death of ex-player Dalian Atkinson after he was reportedly Tasered by police, is "an out-and-out tragedy".

Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, Atkinson said the former striker was "a really popular player".

This is an out-and-out tragedy. He was a really popular player with teammates. He was a really generous lad - sometimes too generous for his own good - but a good lad.

He always had a smile on his face and I really like that in a player. He also had terrific ability. I always knew I didn't need to worry about him in big games.

– Ron Atkinson

Tributes have been paid to former Aston Villa footballer Dalian Atkinson who has reportedly died after he was Tasered by police.

Dalian Atkinson played for Aston Villa from 1991-1995. Credit: Neal Simpson / EMPICS Sport

Atkinson, 48, is best remembered for his role in Villa's unlikely 3-1 victory over Manchester United in the 1994 Coca-Cola Cup Final - a game in which he opened the scoring.

Former players Sol Campbell, Gary Lineker, Mark Bosnich and Paul McGrath posted tributes to Atkinson on Twitter.