Shropshire Star

Dalian Atkinson death: Two police officers under criminal investigation after the former footballer was Tasered in Telford

Two police officers will face a criminal investigation following the death of former Aston Villa star Dalian Atkinson in Telford.

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Dalian Atkinson, and police at the scene of the tragedy

The officers, who have not been named, have also been served with gross misconduct notices following the incident on Monday, when the retired footballer died after being hit with a police Taser outside his father's home in Trench.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which was called in following Mr Atkinson's death, said its investigation was continuing.

Mr Atkinson died after police were called to an incident outside his father Ernest's house in Meadow Close at 1.30am on Monday.

During the incident, a Taser was fired by an officer, and Mr Atkinson was pronounced dead at Telford's Princess Royal Hospital at 3am.

A post mortem was held on Wednesday, but failed to conclusively identify the cause of death, and further tests are to be carried out.

Derrick Campbell, commissioner of the IPCC, said: "Having carefully considered the evidence gathered so far, we are undertaking a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Atkinson's death, and the level and type of force used. Two police officers will be interviewed under criminal caution by IPCC investigators."

He asked people to be patient during the progress of our investigation, and not to add to speculation about the circumstances of Mr Atkinson's death.

"We will keep Mr Atkinson's family updated, and our thoughts remain with all of those affected by his death," he said.

West Mercia Police Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said: "I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Dalian who are going through this traumatic time. I would like to reassure his family and the community that we will fully co-operate with the IPCC.

"We respect the position of the IPCC and have suspended two officers from duty.

"We understand the need for answers when a tragedy like this occurs and we will provide the IPCC with all the information they need to ensure a rigorous and transparent investigation takes place. What is now important is to allow the IPCC time to conduct their independent investigation and not to speculate about what took place."

He said Telford police Supt Tom Harding had met with members of the community to offer reassurance and condolences at this difficult time.

"We want to ensure that the community are fully engaged with and listened to," he said.

"My thoughts are with Dalian's family and friends, and all those affected."

The Shrewsbury-born footballer played 85 games for Villa between 1991 and 1995, and had worked as a football agent after retiring as a player in 2001.

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