Former Aston Villa striker Dalian Atkinson died in the early hours of this morning after being tasered by police, it has been confirmed.
At around 1.30am this morning, police in Shropshire were called to a house due to “concerns for the safety of an individual.” A taser had to be used once police had arrived, and despite medical treatment, Atkinson was pronounced dead at 3am.
West Mercia police confirmed the incident in a statement:
“West Mercia Police can confirm that 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 inquiries.”
Tributes from the world of football have already begun pouring in for the the 48-year-old.
The thoughts of everyone at Wednesday are with the friends and family of Dalian Atkinson this morning. RIP pic.twitter.com/67Z1XloHQ4
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) August 15, 2016
What terribly sad news about Dalian Atkinson #RIP
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) August 15, 2016
Shocked to hear the news Dalian Atkinson has died. Always remember his classic goal v Wimbledon for #avfc #rip
— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) August 15, 2016
Sad news about the death of former Aston villa man Dalian Atkinson didn’t know him personally but this sounds very tragic #dalianstkinson
— David Thompson (@77thomo) August 15, 2016
This is terrible. Dalian Atkinson RIP https://t.co/XgLd22ohHS
— Oliver Kay (@OliverKayTimes) August 15, 2016
Gutted and shocked to hear about Dalian Atkinson! Thoughts with his family RIP ??
— Trevor Sinclair (@trevor8sinclair) August 15, 2016
Atkinson is best remembered for a four year spell at Aston Villa, in which he scored 23 goals in 85 Premier League games. His brilliant solo goal against Wimbledon in 1992 won Match of the Day’s Goal of the Season competition, and is still looked at as one of the best goals in recent English football history.
Aside from Villa, Dalian Atkinson played for Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday and Manchester City, as well as having spells in Spain with Real Sociedad, Turkey with Fenerbahce, France with Metz and Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad before finishing his career in South Korea with Daejon Citizen and Jeonbuk Hyundai.
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