Two officers who Tasered the former Aston Villa footballer Dalian Atkinson moments before he died could face criminal charges after a police watchdog passed a file of evidence to prosecutors.

The 48-year-old died 90 minutes after a West Mercia Police officer shot him with a stun gun in the street where he grew up in Telford, Shropshire, in the early hours of August 15, 2016.

His death was passed to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, who have now briefed the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for the consideration of potential criminal charges.

The IOPC stated on Thursday: "The CPS referral marks the end of the IOPC investigation during which three West Mercia Police officers were interviewed twice under criminal caution and served with gross misconduct notices. The actions of the third officer have not been referred.

"The police constables had attended the incident in Meadow Close, Trench and were involved in detaining Mr Atkinson outside the address prior to him being taken to hospital by ambulance.

"Mr Atkinson died at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford on Monday 15 August, 2016.

"The investigation gathered evidence which indicates that police contact with Mr Atkinson involved the use of a Taser, followed by a period of restraint and other uses of force. "

It was previously reported Mr Atkinson had been arguing with his father at the address.