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Former Aston Villa footballer dies after being tasered by UK police

Updated / Monday, 15 Aug 2016 19:12
Dalian Atkinson of Aston Villa seen in action during an FA Carling Premiership match against Crystal Palace in 1995
Dalian Atkinson of Aston Villa seen in action during an FA Carling Premiership match against Crystal Palace in 1995

Former English premier league striker Dalian Atkinson has died after being tasered by police in England.

Officers were called to a home in Telford, Shropshire, at around 1.30am amid concerns "for the safety of an individual", and a Taser was used.

The man was given medical treatment but died around 90 minutes later, West Mercia Police said.

Atkinson was a top flight striker in the 1990s, with a goal for league runners-up Aston Villa against Wimbledon, which followed a mazy run from inside his own half, being voted 1992-1993 goal of the season.

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.

He ended his playing career playing in South Korea in 2001.

Mr Atkinson's father, thought to be in his 80s, lives in Meadow Close in Telford and the footballer was believed to have been visiting him when police were called.

Neighbours said the retired footballer was well-known among people in the street, making frequent visits to the short cul-de-sac.

West Mercia police put a statement on its website which 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.

"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) as is normal procedure, and will assist the IPCC with their inquiries."

Forensic officers at the scene in Telford

A policeman stands outside an address in Meadow Close in the Trench area of Telford

Last year police use of Tasers, which are intended as a non-lethal weapon, went up slightly towards the end of 2015 with 10,329 uses by forces in England and Wales, a 2% rise on the previous year.

However, of those, 19% (1,921) were discharges; a decrease of 3% from the previous year.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We were called by West Mercia Police to an address in Meadow Close in the Trench area of Telford at about 1.45am this morning.

"An ambulance was dispatched and upon arrival found a man who had been Tasered.

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

"Despite the efforts of the crew and hospital staff, it was not possible to save him and he was confirmed dead at hospital, shortly after arrival."

Ipswich Town paid tribute on its Twitter feed, saying: "Terribly sad news about our former striker. Our thoughts are with Dalian's family and friends at this tragic time."

Sheffield Wednesday said on the social media site: "The thoughts of everyone at Wednesday are with the friends and family of Dalian Atkinson this morning. RIP".

Former manager Ron Atkinson, who was the mastermind behind Villa's victory that day, told the Birmingham Mail: "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."

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