Dalian Atkinson, a former striker for the Premier League’s Aston Villa, reportedly died early Monday morning after being Tasered by police in the town of Telford in Shropshire, England. The Press Associationis reporting that Atkinson was pronounced dead about 90 minutes after police used a Taser on him.
Few details about what led to police using the Taser are available at this time, but according to the Press Association, West Mercia Police—who are responsible for patrolling the Shropshire area—were called on Monday by someone who was concerned "for the safety of an individual." At some point after they arrived on the scene, police deployed a Taser and used it on Atkinson. West Mercia Police released a brief statement about the incident shortly after it happened.
"Officers responded to a report for the concern for the safety of an individual at approximately 1:30 a.m. this morning at an address in Telford," the statement said. "Upon arrival, Taser was deployed and a 48-year-old man, who subsequently received medical attention, was pronounced dead at approximately 3 a.m. 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 inquires."
Atkinson played for Aston Villa from 1991 through 1995 and recorded 23 goals during his time with the club. His professional career started in 1985 with England’s Ipswich Town and extended through 2001 with South Korea’s Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. Many of his former teams paid tribute to him on Twitter on Monday:
