Shropshire Star

Dalian Atkinson’s family ‘still reeling from loss’ year after Taser death

The former Aston Villa striker was fatally shot in Telford after West Mercia Police were called to an incident last August.

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Dalian Atkinson's family are still reeling from loss a year after his Taser death

The family of Dalian Atkinson have said they are still “reeling from our loss”, a year after the ex-Aston Villa striker died after being shot with a police Taser.

The 48-year-old was fatally shot in the street where he grew up in Telford, Shropshire, after West Mercia Police were called to an incident on August 15 last year.

Mr Atkinson’s family said: “A year has gone by and we’re still reeling from our loss. Dalian was our baby brother.

“Our determination to get to the facts and to see that appropriate action is taken will not be weakened by the passing of time. We’re buckled in for the long haul.”

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) earlier revealed that three West Mercia Police officers have been interviewed under criminal caution and served with gross misconduct notices relating to his death.

The watchdog said it has has been looking into the level and type of force used during the incident, and considering evidence from 15 other police officers and more than 15 members of the public.

Paramedics and doctors were unable to revive Atkinson, despite administering CPR on him for more than an hour after he was taken to hospital.

His funeral was attended by hundreds of mourners, including former Aston Villa stars Ian Taylor and Tommy Johnson and scores of fans, at Telford crematorium last November.

Monday’s statement, issued by the team leading the inquest into his death, renews the family’s previous demands for answers over the use of force during the former player’s confrontation with police.

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