Aston Villa hero Dalian Atkinson (48) dies after being shot with a Taser by police

Dalian Atkinson has been reported dead.

A 48-year-old man was shot with a Taser by police officers responding to an alert in Telford. The victim was named locally as Dalian Atkinson. https://twitter.com/SkyNewsBreak/status/765128168046993408 The incident happened around 1.30am on Monday, after officers were called to the scene in Shropshire following concerns for the safety of an individual. According to the BBC, a taser was used and the victim received medical attention but went into a cardiac arrest on his way to hospital and was pronounced dead at approximately 3am,

A police statement read: "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."

The West Midlands Ambulance service were on the scene and a spokesman said:

"We were called by West Mercia Police to an address in Meadow Close in the Trench area of Telford at about 1.45am this morning. "An ambulance was dispatched and upon arrival found a man who had been Tasered. "As he was being conveyed to Princess Royal Hospital, his condition deteriorated and he 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."

Atkinson is a legend in Aston Villa circles. He scored the opener in the club's 1994 League Cup final win over Manchester United and was famed for his energetic freedom in the Villa attack. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E9FDiUTp30 He began his professional career with Ipswich Town and finished in South Korea. Police in England and Wales used Tasers 10,329 in 2015.