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Two West Mercia police officers probed in death of Dalian Atkinson

Two West Mercia officers are under criminal investigation following the death of former Aston Villa striker Dalian Atkinson after he was Tasered by police.

The 48-year-old died 90 minutes after a West Mercia Police officer shot him with a stun gun in the street where he grew up in Telford, Shropshire, in the early hours of Monday.

The retired footballer's death is being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which said it would carry out "a full and thorough'' inquiry.

In a statement, the IPCC said: "Two West Mercia Police officers have been advised they are under criminal investigation and are also being served with gross misconduct notices.

"A criminal investigation does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow.

"The IPCC investigation is at an early stage, and the position will be kept under review as the investigation progresses.''