IPCC examines police contact prior to death of Dalian Atkinson

Published: 15 Aug 2016
News

A team of investigators from the IPCC have begun a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the death of Dalian Atkinson, 48, in Telford.

His immediate family have been informed.

West Mercia Police were called to a property in Meadow Close, Trench, at around 1.30am today (Mon 15 August 2016). Two police officers initially attended the address and whilst in contact with Mr Atkinson outside the property one of the officers discharged a Taser. Further police officers then arrived. 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.

West Mercia Police referred the incident to the IPCC and the IPCC sent investigators to the scene and to oversee police post incident procedures.

Since this morning IPCC investigators have been conducting house to house enquiries in the immediate area and gathering available information. Police logs and radio transmissions are being obtained. The police officers involved and independent witnesses will be interviewed by IPCC investigators. Initial data from the Taser has been downloaded and it is being sent for further testing.

A post mortem is due to be carried out later this week.

None of the relevant officers were wearing body worn video cameras.

IPCC deputy chair Rachel Cerfontyne said:

“I would like to assure people that we have begun a full and thorough investigation into police contact with Dalian Atkinson prior to his death, including the level and type of force used.

"Our investigation team have been securing and preserving relevant evidence, and identifying witnesses. Investigators have met Mr Atkinson’s immediate family to explain our role and we have appointed a family liaison manager to keep them updated.

"My thoughts are with Mr Atkinson’s family and friends, and all those affected, at this difficult time.”

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  • West Mercia Police