Two West Mercia police officers are under criminal investigation following the death of former Town striker Dalian Atkinson earlier this week, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has announced. The 48-year-old died in the early hours of Monday morning in Telford, shortly after being Tasered by police.
An IPCC statement reads: "Mr Atkinson died following contact with police outside an address in Meadow Close, Trench on Monday 15th August.
"During the incident a Taser was discharged by an officer. Further analysis of the Taser is being conducted. The IPCC’s team of investigators has gathered statements from a number of witnesses.
"A post-mortem was held yesterday (Wednesday 17th August) and the cause of death was inconclusive. Further tests will be carried out. The IPCC is liaising with HM Coroner.
"Two West Mercia Police officers have been advised they are under criminal investigation and are also being served with gross misconduct notices.
"A criminal investigation does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow. The IPCC investigation is at an early stage and the position will be kept under review as the investigation progresses.”
IPCC Commissioner Derrick Campbell added: "Having carefully considered the evidence gathered so far, we are undertaking a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Atkinson’s death and the level and type of force used. Two police officers will be interviewed under criminal caution by IPCC investigators.
"As this is a criminal investigation, the IPCC is limited in the amount of information which can be released into the public domain.
"I would ask people to be patient during the progress of our investigation and not to add to speculation about the circumstances of Mr Atkinson’s death. Speculation across the media as a whole can risk prejudice to the investigation process.
"We will keep Mr Atkinson’s family updated and our thoughts remain with all of those affected by his death.”