Officers Could face charges over Villa death

18 October 2018, 19:00 | Updated: 18 October 2018, 19:05

The Crown Prosecution Service will consider potential criminal charges against two police officers over the death of former footballer Dalian Atkinson.

The ex-Aston Villa star suffered a fatal heart attack in August 2016 after being hit with a Taser and restrained by officers from West Mercia Police. 

The force said at the time that officers had been called to an address in the Trench area of Telford amid concerns "for the safety of an individual".

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said three West Mercia Police officers had been interviewed twice under criminal caution and served with gross misconduct notices.

The actions of the third officer have not been referred to the CPS, the watchdog said.

IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell said: "On the basis of the evidence gathered I have decided to refer the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider any potential criminal charges over the interaction two police officers had with Dalian Atkinson.