Funeral of former Sheffield Wednesday player Dalian Atkinson to be held

A service for the 48-year-old will be held at Telford Crematorium chapel in Shropshire at 11.30am on Saturday, followed by a private interment at nearby Hadley cemetery.

Atkinson played for Wednesday between 1989 and 1990, scoring ten goals in 38 appearances. He also played for Ipswich, Real Sociedad and Aston Villa during his career.

A public notice announcing the funeral read: "Dalian Atkinson died tragically on August 15.

"Beloved son of Ernest and the late Ambrozine, much beloved brother to Elaine, Kenroy, Paul and Otis, and a dear uncle and great uncle."

The family said there will be a collection at the crematorium for those wishing to make a donation to charity.

Former striker Atkinson died after police were called to an incident in the street where he grew up, Meadow Road in the Trench area of Telford, in the early hours of August 15.

The retired footballer became unresponsive after being shot with a Taser.

He died despite the efforts of hospital doctors, who battled for 35 minutes to try to save him.

The death of Atkinson, of Little Dawley, near Telford, is being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Two police officers with the West Mercia force are suspended pending a criminal investigation by the IPCC into the former professional footballer's death.

As part of the IPCC inquiry, both officers have also been served with gross misconduct notices.

The watchdog has said it will look into the level and type of force used during the incident.

In August, a coroner said the IPCC's investigation was due to take at least nine months.