File passed to CPS over death of former footballer who was shot with stun gun
Two police officers could be prosecuted over the death of the former footballer Dalian Atkinson, who collapsed after being shot by a stun gun.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has referred a file of evidence relating to Atkinson’s death in Telford, Shropshire, to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider potential criminal charges against the officers.
Atkinson, who played for Aston Villa and Manchester City, died in 2016 following an incident involving police outside his father’s home. He was 48.
The IOPC said the two officers were involved in detaining Atkinson. A third officer was also interviewed but has not been referred to the CPS.
An IOPC spokesperson said: “The 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 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 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.”
Derrick Campbell, an IOPC regional director, said: “On the basis of the evidence gathered I have decided to refer the matter to the CPS to consider any potential criminal charges over the interaction two police officers had with Dalian Atkinson.
