Two police officers under criminal investigation following the death of Dalian Atkinson in Telford

Mr Atkinson died after a Taser was discharged during an incident outside a property in Meadow Close, Trench, during the early hours of Monday.

Two police officers initially attended the address and whilst in contact with Mr Atkinson outside the property one of the officers discharged a Taser.

Mr Atkinson became unwell and an ambulance was called. He was treated at the scene and taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

A post mortem was held yesterday and the cause of death was inconclusive. Further tests will be carried out and further analysis of the Taser is being conducted.

A team from the IPCC, who are not part of the police or police officers, are conducting the criminal investigation from their offices in Birmingham into the circumstances surrounding Mr Atkinson's death. The IPCC is an independent body which works entirely independently of the police and government. It exists to oversee the police complaints system in England and Wales and sets the standards by which police should handle complaints.

IPCC Commissioner Derrick Campbell said:

“Having carefully considered the evidence gathered so far, we are undertaking a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Atkinson’s death and the level and type of force used. Two police officers will be interviewed under criminal caution by IPCC investigators.

“As this is a criminal investigation, the IPCC is limited in the amount of information which can be released into the public domain. I would ask people to be patient during the progress of our investigation and not to add to speculation about the circumstances of Mr Atkinson’s death. Speculation across the media as a whole can risk prejudice to the investigation process.

“We will keep Mr Atkinson’s family updated and our thoughts remain with all of those affected by his death.”

West Mercia Police Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said:

"I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Dalian who are going through this traumatic time. I would like to reassure his family and the community that we will fully co-operate with the IPCC.

"We respect the position of the IPCC and have today suspended two officers from duty.

"We understand the need for answers when a tragedy like this occurs and we will provide the IPCC with all the information they need to ensure a rigorous and transparent investigation takes place. What is now important is to allow the IPCC time to conduct their independent investigation and not to speculate about what took place.

"Local policing Superintendent for Telford, Tom Harding has met with members of the community to offer reassurance and condolences at this difficult time. We want to ensure that the community are fully engaged with and listened to.

"My thoughts are with Dalian's family and friends, and all those affected."

A criminal investigation does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow. The IPCC says its investigation is at an early stage and the position will be kept under review as the investigation progresses.