FREE now SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Make the most of your money by signing up to our newsletter fornow We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

Officers were called to his father Ernest's home in Telford, Shropshire, at around 1.30am after Atkinson reportedly flew into a drunken rage. The 48-year-old, who is said to have been homeless, was given medical treatment after being stunned but died around 90 minutes later. The striker played for eight other clubs during his career, including Ispwich Town and Sheffield Wednesday, and turned out for England's B team.

Atkinson is fondly remembered by Villa fans for scoring the opening goal in their 1994 League Cup final win over Manchester United at Wembley. He also scored won the prestigious goal of the season prize in the 1992-1993 campaign, for a memorable solo strike against Wimbledon. The late star finished his career in South Korea, making four appearances for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors before retiring in 2001.

GETTY Dalian Atkinson has died after being Tasered by police

A heartbroken Ernest said the former footballer was "in a real state" and "very agitated" before he was Tasered this morning. The 85-year-old added: "I don't know if he was drunk or on drugs but he was very agitated and his mind was upset. "The last thing he said to me was 'don't move' when the police came to the door. He was threatening and very upset. I didn't call the police, someone else did."

Dalian Atkinson in pictures Mon, August 15, 2016 Former Aston Villa and Manchester City star Dalian Atkinson has died after being Tasered by police Play slideshow Bob Thomas/Getty Images 1 of 9 Former Aston Villa and Manchester City star Dalian Atkinson has died after being Tasered by police. He was 48

A neighbour, who not want to be named, revealed Atkinson was "banging and shouting" before Ernest let him into the property. He said: "Dalian was shouting about being homeless, he wanted his dad to let him in. But his dad wouldn't so he was kicking the door. "I have no idea what they were fighting about. Then someone phoned the police. I don't know exactly what happened after that, but it's very tragic."

PA Atkinson opens the scoring in the 1994 League Cup final

Another neighbour, 73-year-old Lascelles Rose, said: "Dalian had been in hospital recently for a couple of months – he had been poorly. "He went to school with my three children and I've known him his whole life. He was a good man who would always be friendly and say hello. "I used to watch him playing football in the street and you could tell then he had something special. He was one hell of a football player and a top man."

GETTY He celebrates a goal against Ipswich in August 1992

He was really popular with teammates and had terrific ability Ron Atkinson

Former Villa manager Ron Atkinson paid tribute to the late striker, calling him a "really generous lad". He added: "This is an out-and-out tragedy. He was a really popular player with teammates. He always had a smile on his face. "He also had terrific ability. I always knew I didn't need to worry about him in big games."

PA Ex-manager Ron Atkinson paid tribute to the late striker

Ex-England defender Ugo Ehiogu, who broke into the Villa team to play alongside Atkinson in the 1990s, described the striker as "a friend and mentor". He wrote on Twitter: "Shocked and stunned to wake up to the death of Dalian Atkinson, a friend and mentor to me. He was a glass half full human being. "He was kind, talented and lived life to the fullest, always playing football with a smile on his face. Thoughts go out to his family. RIP Dan."

GETTY The ace made one appearance for England's B team in 1990

Stars we've lost in 2016 Thu, December 29, 2016 Some of our favourite beloved famous faces who have passed away in 2016. Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 68 This combination of pictures shows just some of the public figures who passed away in 2016

David Hirst, who played alongside Atkinson up front for Sheffield Wednesday, said: "This is not the news you want to be seeing. "Whatever has happened, I can't comment on that, but I do know he was a great lad and a great character to have around the place." And current Villa star Jack Grealish wrote on Twitter: "Loved watching videos of him and always remember his great goal vs Wimbledon."

PA Police were called to his dad's home at around 1:30am

A West Mercia Police spokesman said: "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."

PA He went into cardiac arrest while being taken to hospital