Former Aston Villa striker Dalian Atkinson died on Monday after being shot with a Taser by police at his father’s house in Telford, England. She said the man was “stumbling” toward the police when an officer “shouted something about deploying the Taser”.
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Dalian Atkinson’s former clubs included Aston Villa, Real Sociedad, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town.
“Aston Villa is saddened to hear of the death of our former striker Dalian Atkinson”, the club said in a statement.
West Mercia Police said officers were called amid concerns “for the safety of an individual” and then deployed the stun guns.
West Mercia Police said they unable to comment any further as the incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission as per normal procedure.
This afternoon, forensic officers were at the scene as Meadow Close remained cordoned off.
Former players including Sol Campbell and Ian Taylor have paid tribute to the 48-year-old following his death.
Atkinson scored a goal in the tradition of the great Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, winning a 50-50 ball deep in Villa’s half and picking up speed as he slalomed through the Wimbledon defense only to loft a delicate chip over Dons keeper Hans Segers for the goal.
Jamie Howells, a 33-year-old logistics controller, said: “In my eyes he scored the best goal the Premier League has ever seen”. His father said his son appeared quite agitated right before the incident. He also played for Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday.
Wonderful Atkinson goals continue to be regularly played on YouTube. Losing his life after being tasered by police.
Former England worldwide Sol Campbell also expressed his shock.
“Terrible news about Dalian Atkinson. My thoughts are with his family & friends”.
Darren Byfield, a former Aston Villa player who now manages Redditch United FC, wrote: “What a legend”. Later he went to Spain and when I joined Villa he was one of the first players I wanted. But the club will not allow fans to bring in their own due to health and safety issues.
“The increased use of Tasers by police forces in England and Wales has been commonly presented as a non-lethal alternative to the use of firearms”.
Black Lives Matter UK have released a statement saying they stand in solidarity with Dalian Atkinson’s family and offer ‘unconditional support in their pursuit of justice’.
West Mercia Police said the 48-year-old man – named locally as Atkinson – was given medical treatment after being Tasered but died around 90 minutes later. His death is being investigated.
In a number of those cases, it was found that the deceased had died of self-inflicted wounds, rather than the Taser charge.
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It comes after ex-soldier Spencer Beynon, who died after being Tasered by police in Llanelli, South Wales, in June after stabbing a dog and then himself.
