Dalian Atkinson thought to be police Taser victim

Dalian Atkinson is best remembered for his time with Aston Villa

A man who died after being shot with a Taser by police in Shropshire is believed to be former footballer Dalian Atkinson.

West Mercia Police said officers responded to a report of concern for the safety of a man at about 01:30 BST in the Trench area of Telford.

A Taser was used on the 48-year-old man and after receiving medical help, he was pronounced dead at about 03:00.

Mr Atkinson played for Aston Villa, Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday.

During a 16-year career, he also played for Real Sociedad and Fenerbahce, winning one cap for England B.

His is best remembered for scoring the Match of the Day goal of the season in the 1992-3 campaign for Aston Villa away at Wimbledon.

Paramedics said the man went into cardiac arrest on his way to hospital. The death has been referred to the police watchdog.

More updates on this and other stories in Shropshire

West Midlands Ambulance Service said crews were called by police to an address in Meadow Close.

A spokesman said an ambulance was dispatched and upon arrival paramedics 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," he added.

A spokeswoman for the Coroner for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin said: "The death of a man has been reported to the coroner following a police incident."