adminLONDON. — Former football player Dalian Atkinson shouted “I am the Messiah” before being Tasered “three or four times” by police, it has been revealed.
The 48-year-old died of a suspected heart attack after being Tasered by officers outside his father’s home at 1:30am on Monday.
Neighbours called the police to Atkinson’s father’s home in Telford, Shropshire, after the former Aston Villa star flew into a drunken rage.
Atkinson reportedly shouted “it’s not working” after he was zapped with the 50 000 volt Taser.
His father Ernest (85) said his son screamed “I am the Messiah” after being Tasered for a second time.
Police warned Atkinson they would fire their Tasers but he kept moving towards them before they proceeded to fire — reportedly Tasering him “four or five times”.
The third shock left Atkinson unconscious in the middle of the road before he was rushed to the Princess Royal Hospital, in Telford, where he died.
Atkinson’s brother Kenroy said the striker was suffering from depression after undergoing dialysis treatment for kidney failure.
According to Kenroy, his brother had burst into his father’s home and attacked Ernest.
The 53-year-old said: “My brother had lost it. He was in a manic state and depressed — out of his mind and ranting.” — The Daily Express.
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