He had undergone dialysis and neighbours said he had spent an extended period in hospital.
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West Mercia Police said officers were called amid concerns “for the safety of an individual” and then deployed the stun guns.
Former managers and team-mates of Atkinson have paid tribute to him and old club Villa will hold a minute’s applause in the 10th minute of their Sky Bet Championship match against Huddersfield tonight.
According to relatives Atkinson was suffering from a number of health issues and had a weak heart when he was hit by the weapon at about 1.30am.
“Upon arrival Taser was deployed and a 48-year-old man, who subsequently received medical attention, was pronounced dead at approximately 3am”, said a police statement.
And campaigners have reacted to the death of ex-footballer Dalian Atkinson by claiming you are “off the scale more likely” to be Tasered if you are black.
Atkinson’s brother said he threatened to kill their 85-year-old father before police arrived.
“The last thing he said to me was “don’t move” when the police came to the door”.
Rachel Cerfontyne, deputy chairman of the IPCC, said: “I would like to assure people that we have begun a full and thorough investigation into police contact with Dalian Atkinson prior to his death, including the level and type of force used”.
The ambulance service said Atkinson went into cardiac arrest as he was being taken to the town’s Princess Royal Hospital, and was confirmed dead shortly after arrival.
“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”.
In a statement it said: “At this stage the IPCC is aware a Taser was used on the man before he became ill”. I don’t care what anybody has done.
She said: ‘The police officer shouted something about deploying the Taser but because the gentleman was still stumbling forwards he deployed the Taser anyway. “Nobody deserves to die as a result of something like that”.
The former striker is best remembered for scoring Villa’s opening goal in their 1994 League Cup final win over Manchester United at Wembley.
“Our investigation team have been securing and preserving relevant evidence, and identifying witnesses”. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this awful time”.
The incident follows the death of ex-soldier Spencer Beynon in June.
According to figures from the Home Office (interior ministry), police discharged Tasers 1,921 times past year.
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Aston Villa lead the tributes, noting how although Atkinson’s time at the club was disrupted by injuries, “he still averaged a goal every three games”.
