Ex-soccer player in UK dies

Britain’s independent police watchdog opened an investigation Monday into the death of a former Premier League soccer player who was shot with a stun gun by police.

“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,” said the IPCC’s deputy chair, Rachel Cerfontyne.

Atkinson scored 20 Premier League goals during his time at Villa from 1991-95.

Atkinson also scored in the 1994 League Cup final when Villa beat Manchester United 3-1.

In an era when English players seldom played abroad, Atkinson scored 12 goals in 29 league games during one season with Real Sociedad, before returning to England to play for Villa.