Former England international, Dalian Atkinson, has died after being tasered by UK police in Telford, Shropshire.
Atkinson died early on Monday morning after officers responded to an alert for the safety of an individual at a home in Meadow Close around 1.30am.
The 48-year-old was given medical treatment but passed away about 90 minutes later, West Mercia Police said.
In a statement the force said: “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.”
A West Midlands Ambulance Service 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 played for Manchester City, Ipswich Town and Fenerbahçe.
He was the first black player at Spanish side, Real Sociedad.
But it was at Aston Villa he impressed the most scoring a crucial goal in the 1994 League Cup final win against Manchester United.
