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Atkinson enjoyed a glittering career – listing Sheffield Wednesday, Real Sociedad and Manchester City alongside Aston Villa among his former clubs.

He is remembered for his magnificent solo goal against Wimbledon in a 3-2 win when Villa finished runners-up in the league – the first ever Premier League goal of the season in 1992.

And he is fondly thought of by Villa fans in particular for his goal in the 1994 League Cup final.

(Image: GETTY) (Image: GETTY)

**Dalian Atkinson's tragic death: Ex Aston Villa star killed by police Taser**

He enjoyed a short spell playing in Spain too – signing as the first black player in Real Sociedad's history where he played alongside Liverpool great John Aldridge.

Atkinson was at the centre of calls to be picked in the England team but retired in 2001 with one appearance for England B to his name.

Today, officers from West Mercia Police received reports of concern for a person's wellbeing in Telford, Shropshire.

(Image: GETTY)

A Taser was used on 48-year-old Atkinson at around 1:30am on Monday morning.

He was pronounced dead at around 3am.

The world of football has taken to Twitter to express shock and sympathy at the news of Atkinson's death.

Former manager Ron Atkinson, who was the mastermind behind Villa's victory that day, told the Birmingham Mail: "This is an out-and-out tragedy.

"He was a really popular player with teammates. He was a really generous lad – sometimes too generous for his own good – but a good lad.

"He always had a smile on his face and I really like that in a player.

"He also had terrific ability. I always knew I didn't need to worry about him in big games."

It later emerged that Atkinson had been visiting his dad's home in Telford when the tragedy occurred.

The footballer had recently spent two months in hospital, a neighbour has revealed.

Lascelles Rose, 73, said: "Dalian had been in hospital recently for a couple of months, he had been poorly but I don"t know what with."

West Mercia Police have not commented any further on the events.

The incident has now been handed over to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

He scored more than 20 Premier League goals for the Birmingham side between 1991 and 1995 before going on to play less successfully for teams including Turkish side Fenerbahce and Manchester City.