Former Aston Villa footballer Dalian Atkinson has died after he was shot by a police stun gun in Shropshire early on Monday morning.

Officers were called to a property, believed to be his elderly father's house, in Meadow Close, Telford, after concerns "for the safety of an individual" were raised.

West Mercia Police said the 48-year-old man was given medical treatment after being hit by a Taser, but died around 90 minutes later.

Witness: 'He Dropped Like A Lead Balloon'

Atkinson was thought to have been visiting his 85-year-old father, who reportedly said that his son was agitated.

Witness Paula Quinn said she heard shouting outside and when she looked out of the window she saw two police officers and a local resident having "loud discussions".


She told Sky News the man was "stumbling" towards the police officers.

Image: The former Aston Villa star pictured in 1993

She said: "The police officer shouted something about deploying the Taser but because the gentleman was still stumbling forwards he deployed the Taser anyway.

"Then the gentleman just dropped like a lead balloon and landed straight on the floor."

:: Analysis: Taser A 'Less Lethal' Option For Police Forces

Image: Forensic experts in Meadow Close, Telford

Ms Quinn added: "It all went quiet for seconds. I can only assume the man was now subdued. Numerous police vehicles and paramedics arrived. I heard the paramedics working on him and then they took him away in the ambulance."

Neighbours said the retired football star, who drives a Porsche, was well-known among people in the cul-de-sac, making frequent visits there.

An unnamed neighbour said: "I had known him since he was a little boy, he was a famous footballer at one time. He was friendly, he had no trouble that I know of."

The thoughts of everyone at Wednesday are with the friends and family of Dalian Atkinson this morning. RIP pic.twitter.com/67Z1XloHQ4 — Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) August 15, 2016

An ambulance spokesman said while the man was being taken to Princess Royal Hospital his condition deteriorated and he suffered a cardiac arrest.

He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the medical facility.

Atkinson's wonder goal against Wimbledon during a 3-2 win in the Premiership in October 1992 was named Match of the Day's goal of the season.

In 1994, the striker scored at Wembley as Villa beat Manchester United to lift the League Cup.

Absolutely shocked at the news of Dalian Atkinson sudden death, a good man, great talent in his day! Rip mate 🙏🏾😇😢 — Frank Sinclair (@FrankMSinclair) August 15, 2016

Atkinson started his career at Ipswich and then played for Sheffield Wednesday and Spanish side Real Sociedad before moving to Villa.

The police use of Tasers is intended as a non-lethal weapon.

The incident has now been referred to police watchdog the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

In a statement, police 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."

Image: Dalian Atkinson played for a number of clubs, including Aston Villa, Ipswich and Manchester City Image: Atkinson started his career at Ipswich Town before moving on to Sheffield Wednesday in 1989 Image: He made one appearance for England B, scoring in a 4-1 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in March 1990 Image: Atkinson became the first black player in Real Sociedad's history when he signed for the Spanish club in 1990 Image: A year later Atkinson returned to English football, joining Aston Villa for £1.6m Image: Dalian Atkinson in action for Villa in 1991 Image: While at Villa, Atkinson formed a strike partnership with Dean Saunders Image: Villa fans best remember Atkinson for his solo strike against Wimbledon in 1992, which won the Match of the Day Goal of the Season award Image: Atkinson was a key part of Villa's League Cup final win over Manchester United in 1994, scoring the game's first goal Image: Aston Villa manager Ron Atkinson and striker Dalian Atkinson celebrate with the League Cup trophy Image: In 79 league appearances for Aston Villa, Atkinson scored 25 times Image: He also notched 11 goals in 15 League Cup appearances Image: After four years at Villa, Atkinson signed for Turkish side Fenerbache /

An IPCC spokeswoman said: "IPCC investigators are at the scene gathering the available information and are attending the post incident procedures to supervise the recovery of initial evidence.

"The IPCC is conducting a full and thorough investigation into all of the circumstances surrounding his death including the use of force."

It was the second death involving stun guns in two months. Former soldier Spencer Beynon died after being tasered in Llanelli, South Wales in June.

There were 10,329 uses of Tasers by police forces in England and Wales in 2015 - a 2% increase compared with 2014.

Only 19% (1,921) were actual discharges - down 3% from the previous year - where the weapon was fired.