Dalian Atkinson: Former Aston Villa footballer dies after being Tasered by police

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Former Aston Villa footballer Dalian Atkinson has died after being Tasered by police.

The star, famed for scoring a magnificent solo goal against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park in 1992, was hit by a stun gun fired by police who were called to a home in Telford.

Officers had been called at around 1.30am today amid concerns "for the safety of an individual", and a Taser was used.

Mr Atkinson’s father Ernest, 85, reportedly said his son was agitated before he was Tasered while neighbours described how he was “almost staggering” in the street.

Paula Quinn claimed Mr Atkinson went down "like a lead balloon" after the weapon was fired at him.

Killed by Taser: Former Aston Villa player Dalian Atkinson

She said: “I heard shouting and something smashing, which is what alerted me to look out of the window. I am feeling a bit sick knowing that the poor lad has passed.

“I don't care what anybody has done. Nobody deserves to die as a result of something like that."

Mr Atkinson’s nephew said police would not have used the stun gun if they had known the ex-striker’s medical history.

Speaking near where his uncle was hit, Fabian Atkinson 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?"

Atkinson, a top flight striker in the 1990s who made an appearance for England's B team, was given medical treatment but died about 90 minutes later, West Mercia Police said.

Forensic officers were at the scene in Meadow Close this morning, which remained cordoned off.

Neighbours took to Facebook to express their shock, with one describing "a lot of shouting and police".

Another, who did not want to be named, said: "I had known him since he was a little boy, he was a famous footballer at one time. He was friendly, he had no trouble that I know of."

Atkinson won the goal of the 1992-1993 season after scoring for league runners-up Aston Villa against Wimbledon following a mazy run from inside his own half. It was the debut season of the Premier League.

Atkinson scored 20 Premier League goals for the Birmingham side between 1991 and 1995 
Sean Dempsey/PA Wire

He went on to score at Wembley in 1994 as Villa beat Manchester United to lift the League Cup.

Starting his career at Ipswich, he played for Sheffield Wednesday and Spanish side Real Sociedad before moving to Villa.

He scored more than 20 Premier League goals for the Birmingham side between 1991 and 1995 before going on to play less successfully for teams including Turkish side Fenerbahce and Manchester City, and ended his playing career playing in South Korea in 2001.

West Mercia Police put out a statement on its website that read: “West Mercia Police can confirm that officers responded to a report for the concern for the safety of an individual at approximately 1.30am this morning at an address in Telford.

Former Aston Villa footballer Dalian Atkinson (right) holding the Coca-Cola cup
Tony Harris/PA Wire

“Upon arrival Taser was deployed and a 48-year-old man, who subsequently received medical attention, was pronounced dead at approximately 3am.

“West Mercia Police are unable to comment any further as the incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and will assist the IPCC with their inquiries.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “An ambulance was dispatched and upon arrival found a man who had been Tasered.

A police officer stands guard outside an address in Meadow Close, Telford

“As he was being conveyed to Princess Royal Hospital, his condition deteriorated and he went into cardiac arrest.

“Despite efforts it was not possible to save him and he was confirmed dead at hospital, shortly after arrival.”

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating Mr Atkinson's death.

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