Dalian Atkinson Taser death inquest to open

An inquest is to be opened into the death of ex-Aston Villa footballer Dalian Atkinson after he was shot with a police Taser.

The 48-year-old former sportsman died 90 minutes after a West Mercia Police officer Tasered him in the street where he grew up in Telford, Shropshire, in the early hours of August 15.

The coroner for Shropshire is due to open the inquest at the Shirehall in Shrewsbury later.

The retired striker's death is currently being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which said it would carry out "a full and thorough" inquiry.

Two police officers with the West Mercia force have been suspended pending a criminal investigation into Mr Atkinson's death.

Last Thursday, the IPCC announced the officers were "under criminal investigation" and that they had been served with gross misconduct notices.

The watchdog said it will look into the level and type of force used during the incident.

The results of a post-mortem examination carried out on Mr Atkinson last Wednesday were "inconclusive", according to investigators, and further tests have been ordered.

Relatives said Mr Atkinson was "not in his right mind", was suffering a number of health issues and had a weak heart when he was hit with the weapon at about 1.30am.

He went into cardiac arrest in an ambulance on his way to hospital and medics were unable to save him.

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