Shropshire Star

Video and pictures: Dalian Atkinson march got message across say friends

Friends of Dalian Atkinson said they had "got their message across" with a march which called for transparency and justice in the investigation into the footballer's death.

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More than 130 people took part in the "Justice for Dalian March", which started at Telford's Town Park, and followed a route through the town to Malinsgate Police Station.

People taking part in the Justice 4 Dalian march earlier this year

Organisers used the march to demand transparency and accountability from the police over Mr Atkinson's death, and for a review of policy governing the use of tasers by police.

Mr Atkinson died from a heart attack after he was tasered outside a house in Trench in Telford last month.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, while two police officers have also been served with gross misconduct notices.

They are currently suspended by the force while investigations continue.

Speaking after the rally, Sony Atwal, a friend of Mr Atkinson's from Meadow Close, the street on which the former Aston Villa player was tasered, said they were pleased to have been able to make their voices heard.

He said: "The family just want justice. I know that first-hand from talking to them. They are devastated, extremely devastated and they just want transparency and accountability throughout the process and no cover up or excuses.

"I knew Dalian as a friend, he was like a big brother. You can't say that anyone deserves what happened to him, but with some people you might have been able to say they have a personality that is aggressive but Dalian was a happy-go-lucky charismatic guy. You just wanted to be around him because he was just full of fun."

Marcus Brown, also a Meadow Close resident who knew Mr Atkinson, said: "The message was there and hopefully opened up the case to a lot of people out there. This is only the start, there is going to be more."

Nigel Neat, a 52-year-old Dawley resident who joined the march, said: "I do not know the family but I feel it is nice to support them given the circumstances and I think it is time something was done to improve the accountability and transparency of police actions."

Desmond Jaddoo, one of the organisers of the march, said that Mr Atkinson's death had brought concerns about police actions to the fore.

He said: "For a lot of people there are issues around disproportionality, particularly about Afro Caribbean communities, when they come into contact with the police."

Mr Jaddoo said it is also vital that all officers carrying tasers are fitted with body cameras. He said: "They should wear body cameras across the board. Immediately."

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