Police officer charged with the murder of former Sheffield Wednesday ace Dalian Atkinson

A police constable has been charged with the murder of former Sheffield Wednesday footballer Dalian Atkinson, who died after being Tasered near his father's home in Telford in 2016, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

By Press Association

Published 7th Nov 2019, 11:33 BST

Updated 7th Nov 2019, 16:49 BST

Jenny Hopkins, from the CPS, said in a statement: "Following the death of Dalian Atkinson in Telford on 15 August 2016, the Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised a charge of murder against a West Mercia police constable.

“A second police constable, from the same force, has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm. Mr Atkinson's family has been informed.

"This decision was made following a careful review of all the evidence presented to us by the Independent Office for Police Conduct following an investigation.

"Criminal proceedings against the two police officers are now active and they have a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

The officers were expected to appear at Birmingham Crown Court after an appearance at the city's magistrates' court.