Former Premier League footballer Dalian Atkinson has been shot dead with a taser by Shropshire police.
Albeit exact details of the altercation are yet to be confirmed, due to concerns for “the safety of an individual”, officers of the West Mercia Police were called into the Trench area of Telford at 01:30 BST.
At 03:00 the 48-year-old man was pronounced dead despite receiving medical attention, says West Mercia Police.
According to paramedics, Atkinson suffered a cardiac arrest on the way to hospital, “As he was being conveyed to Princess Royal Hospital, his condition deteriorated and 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,” a spokesman said.
The ex-Aston Villa striker was best known for his performance in the 1994 League Cup final against Manchester United, scoring Villa’s opening goal in a 3-1 win at Wembley.
In a career lasting 16 years, Atkinson played for Aston Villa, Ipswich Town, Sheffield Wednesday, Real Sociedad and Fenerbahce, whilst also gaining one cap for England B.
Various of his former clubs have sent out their condolences, with Ipswich tweeting that his death was “terribly sad news”. Sheffield Wednesday also tweeted saying: “The thoughts of everyone at Wednesday are with the friends and family of Dalian Atkinson this morning. RIP.”
The incident has now been raised to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
As well as sending out his thoughts to the family and friends of Dalian Atkinson, John Campion, the Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Mercia force stated: “It is an important part of my role to hold the police to account.” he continues, “I want to be absolutely clear and reassure our communities that I will be doing that fairly and proportionately with regard to this incident once the full facts are available.”