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Telford - A former Premier League footballer has died, three of
his former clubs said Monday, following reports he was shot with a Taser by
police.
Dalian Atkinson died around 90 minutes after a Taser was used on him by police officers, Britain's Press Association reported. Local police said in a statement that officers had been called to an address in central England amid concerns "for the safety of an individual."
Sheffield Wednesday, Aston Villa and Ipswich all paid their respects to Atkinson in posts on their websites. Wednesday confirmed the 48-year-old's death after becoming satisfied that Atkinson was the man who died.
England's Football Association said it was "saddened to hear of the passing" of Atkinson, who represented England's 'B' team.
Forensic officers were at the property in question in Telford on Monday and the road remained cordoned off.
Police said a man received medical attention after officers used a Taser when they arrived in the early hours of Monday.
"An ambulance was dispatched and upon arrival found a man who had been Tasered," said the West Midlands Ambulance Service, which added that the man's condition deteriorated as he was being taken to hospital 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."
The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
The IPCC currently is investigating the death of another British person, former soldier Spencer Beynon, in June following the use of a Taser by police.
Atkinson scored 20 Premier League goals during his time at Aston Villa from 1991-95. He also played for Ipswich, Wednesday and Manchester City in England, and had spells with Real Socieded in Spain, Fenerbahce in Turkey and also in South Korea.
Atkinson was most famous for a scoring a goal for Villa against Wimbledon in October 1992, when he ran from inside his own half, evaded a number of attempted challenges before chipping the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net. It was voted as goal of the season in the 1992-93 Premier League.
"Aston Villa is saddened to hear of the death of our former striker Dalian Atkinson," the second-tier club said in a statement. "Dalian undoubtedly provided real memorable moments during his time in claret and blue."
Wednesday said Atkinson was "widely regarded as one of the most exciting football talents to emerge during the mid-1980s to early 1990s."
In an era when English players seldom played abroad, Atkinson scored 12 goals in 29 league games during one season with Real Sociedad, before returning to England to play for Villa. He scored 10 goals in 21 league games for Istanbul-based Fenerbahce after leaving Villa.
