Dalian Atkinson dies aged 48

Former Aston Villa star Dalian Atkinson has died after being tasered by Telford police.

Officers were called to a house in Telford in the early hours of Monday morning following a report concerning the 'safety of an individual'.

A short time later the 48-year-old man was shot by a taser and despite receiving medical treatment he was pronounced dead.

The man has been named locally as ex Aston Villa footballer Dalian Atkinson, who famously scored a stunning solo goal against Wimbledon in the 3-2 away win in October 1992, while he also netted the winner for Aston Villa in their 1994 League Cup final win over Manchester United.

"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," a statement read.

"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."

As well as Aston Villa, Atkinson played for Ipswich Town, Sheffield Wednesday, Real Sociedad and Fenerbahce.

Aldridge played alongside Atkinson at Real Sociedad and the former Republic of Ireland international led the tributes for his former team-mate.

"I'm absolutely gutted to hear the news of Dalian dying. Can't take it in really. My thought are with his family. So sad. RIP my friend," he wrote on Twitter.

Paul McGrath added: "Don't feel to gud at the moment , Dalian Atkinson was a huge part of the Villa family I played with lovely kid and friend R.I.P pal Xx."

One of Atkinson's former clubs Ipswich tweeted: "Terribly sad news about our former striker. Our thoughts are with Dalian's family and friends at this tragic time."