Dalian Atkinson death: Post mortem carried out on former Aston Villa star as 50,000 sign Taser review petition
A post mortem has been carried out on ex-Villa footballer Dalian Atkinson who died after being Tasered by police – as more than 50,000 signed a petition calling for a review of the police use of Tasers.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission said the procedure was due to begin yesterday afternoon as part of the ongoing investigation into his death after he was Tasered while visiting his father in Trench, Telford on Monday.
Meanwhile, an online petition has attracted huge support since it was launched just days ago. Thousands of people are signing the petition every hour, calling for Prime Minister Theresa May to launch an urgent review into the use of police Tasers.
It was launched by father-of-three Jason Jackson, from London, who has called into question the issue of race. He said: "Theresa May, when home secretary, had previously raised concerns about the use of Tasers. Now as Prime Minister she should take immediate action.
"I am calling on Theresa May to hold an urgent review of Tasers and the medical implications of their use."
It comes as a charity which supports former footballers said it had been contacted by Dalian's family shortly before his death.
Xpro was set up to help former professional footballers who have found the transition to normal life a difficult one.
Geoff Scott, the chief executive officer of the charity said the call was logged and put into diary for follow-up call but said it is important not to speculate too much.
Mr Scott said it is common for the charity to be contacted by concerned family members, rather than the player themselves.
He said: "
We had been in touch with Dalian. We hadn't heard from him for a couple of weeks and like everyone else we were surprised and shocked to hear of the events in the early hours of Monday morning."
Dalian, 48, was pronounced dead on Monday after police fired the Taser at him. The former England B international, who played for Villa from 1991 to 1995, was thought to have been living with a friend in nearby Dawley at the time of the incident.
Neighbours living near his father's house in Meadow Close, Trench, said they heard him threatening to kick the door down.
