Dalian Atkinson: Toxicology report delayed by fears of 'compromised' evidence

At a pre-inquest review today, it was revealed that fresh toxicology results are needed, as samples for the ongoing investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, may have been compromised.

Earlier this year it was revealed, following a criminal investigation, that data relating to 6,000 forensic samples nationwide could have been manipulated.

Greater Manchester Police announced a criminal investigation into forensic test results issued by Randox Testing Services (RTS).

The company had carried out forensic testing for a number of police forces across the country, including West Mercia Police.

At the hearing, held in Shirehall, Shrewsbury, today, a statement from IPCC operations team leader Paul Marriott was read out by coroner's officer Julie Hartridge.

In that statement, it was revealed that the IPCC use a company called Key Forensic Services to provide data for its investigation into the death of the former Aston Villa player.

The company allocated toxicology analysis to Randox, as it has no capacity to perform the service.

Avon and Somerset Police force has now been ordered to retest samples taken by Randox in police investigations.

These include toxicology tests into the death of Mr Atkinson.

Following a request for information from Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Coroner John Ellery on the situation regarding the IPCC investigation, a letter has been sent to Avon and Somerset Police, and the toxicology report has now been rated as “urgent”.

The force says the retesting is now expected to be completed in the week beginning to October 2, and will then be passed to the pathologist who will provide a final post mortem report to the IPCC.

Results will then be compiled and sent for quality control, before the commissioner will decide whether or not to refer the report to the Crown Prosecution Service.

The IPCC statement said it is “unable” to provide a “definitive” date for its final findings, but advised Mr Ellery to adjourn the inquest for three months, by which time the investigation should have been completed.

An IPCC spokesman said: "The IPCC is currently finalising an investigation report and awaiting full toxicology results to be provided in order to do so.

"We have updated HM Coroner and interested parties to explain a delay as a result of a quality failure within an external forensic testing company.

"The issue identified within Randox Testing Services has affected a significant number of cases across the criminal justice system.

"Retesting of some of the toxicology analysis concerning Dalian Atkinson is now taking place and should be completed shortly."

Mr Atkinson, 48, died after being shot with a police Taser outside his father’s house in Meadow Close, Trench, on August 15 last year.

The retired footballer became unresponsive and died despite the efforts of hospital doctors who battled for 35 minutes to try to save him.

In August, it was revealed that three police officers have now been interviewed under criminal caution.

But the IPCC says the criminal investigation does not necessarily mean criminal charges will follow.

The three West Mercia Police officers were earlier served with gross misconduct notices.

IPCC investigators say they have have spoken to around 15 other police officers as witnesses as well as 15 members of the public and paramedics. A number of forensic experts have also been consulted.

Investigators have transcribed relevant police radio transmissions and examined police policies on the use of force.

Analysis of the Taser which was deployed on Mr Atkinson has been carried out.

Until all investigative actions have been completed, the IPCC investigation report cannot be finalised.

At the hearing, Mr Ellery set a new date for the inquest as January 9 next year.