Man killed by police taser was former Aston Villa star Dalian Atkinson

[SnakeMasteR]

A 48-year-old man who died after being tasered by police with a 50,000 volt stun gun in the early hours of the morning has been identified locally as former Premier League star Dalian Atkinson.

Officers from West Mercia Police were called to a property in Trench, Telford, Shropshire over concerns for the safety of the homeowner at around 1.30am.

A taser was deployed during the incident and the man, who suffered a cardiac arrest, was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at hospital at 3am.

Later in the day, several news sources reported that the man was former Aston Villa striker Atkinson.

The matter has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) who are investigating.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: “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 enquiries.”

A spokesperson for the IPCC added: “We have been notified of the incident by West Mercia Police.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said they were called to Meadow Close by police at around 1.45am yesterday morning.

He added: “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.”

Source

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/man-killed-by-police-taser-was-former-aston-villa-101545442.html

[SnakeMasteR]

Dalian Atkinson 'battled with heart and kidney problems'

Former Aston Villa footballer Dalian Atkinson, who has died after being Tasered by police, had been battling kidney problems and had a weak heart.

The 48-year-old’s nephew Fabian claimed officers would not have used the stun gun if they had known the ex-striker’s medical history.

Speaking to the media earlier at the police cordon in Meadow Close, Telford, Fabian Atkinson said his uncle had recently battled through kidney problems, undergoing dialysis.

Fabian, who last saw the ex-footballer three weeks ago, told reporters: “He had some health issues that he was trying to get through and that’s why his heart was weak.”

Source

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/updates-ex-villa-star-dalian-11749832