Doctors Battled To Save Tasered Dalian Atkinson, Inquest Told

Doctors fought for more than half an hour to save the life of ex-Aston Villa striker Dalian Atkinson , after he was shot with a taser by police.

The opening of the inquest heard doctors' carried out CPR on the 48-year-old when he was admitted to the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, Shropshire, but their efforts were in vain.

The incident happened in Meadow Road, the street where Mr Atkinson grew up in Telford, in the early hours of August 15,

The coroner's officer Julie Hartridge said West Mercia Police officers were called there at 1.39am following a "report of concern for safety".

She told coroner John Ellery that Mr Atkinson became unresponsive shortly after being shot with a stun gun.

"At hospital, following 35 minutes of CPR, he was confirmed deceased," she added.

Further investigation is needed before the cause of death can be confirmed, Home Office pathologist Dr Olaf Biedrzycki concluded following a post-mortem examination.

Two West Mercia police officers are under criminal investigation over the death of the retired striker, who lived near Telford.

Ms Hartridge told the inquest Mr Atkinson's body was identified to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) by his brother, Paul, four days after his death.

Mr Ellery adjourned the inquest until November, while the IPCC continues its investigation.

Mr Atkinson, who started his career at Ipswich Town, was a top-flight striker in the 1990s.

He went on to play for Sheffield Wednesday and Spanish side Real Sociedad before moving to Villa and, later on, Manchester City. He ended his playing career in South Korea in 2001.

Former Aston Villa boss Ron Atkinson led the tributes to Mr Atkinson following the news of his death.

"He always had a smile on his face - and played football with a smile on his face," he said. "He was popular in the dressing room, had terrific ability and did it in the big games. He did very well for me. I signed him at Sheffield Wednesday and when I joined Villa he was one of the first players I wanted to bring in. It's tragic."

Following Mr Atkinson's death, relatives said he was "not in his right mind," and was suffering a number of health issues.

Campaigners have raised concerns about the safety of the stun guns and called for restrictions on their use until more is known about the risks.