Two West Mercia police officers have appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court after been charged with the assault and murder, of footballer Dalian Atkinson who died after being Tasered.
The ex-Aston Villa striker was restrained by police officers at his father's house in Telford, in Shropshire.
The Crown Prosecution Services (CPS) has not named the officers because it believes their defence will apply for them to remain anonymous.
After being informed, the family of the former Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday striker issued a statement welcoming the decision but stated that they "regret that it has been more than three years since Dalian died".
The CPS made the decision to press charges following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
An alternative charge of an unlawful act manslaughter has also been put forward by the CPS for the officer charged with murder, known as ‘Officer A’ who remanded in custody after appearing before magistrates.
The second officer, Officer B, indicated she would plead not guilty and was bailed ahead of their next appearance at Birmingham Crown Court later.
Police officers attended Atkinson’s father’s home where he (Dalian) was detained outside.
He was taken by ambulance to the Princess Royal Hospital where he later died.
Dalian was has an England B cap against the Republic of Ireland, also played for Manchester City, plus La Liga side Real Sociedad and Fenerbahçe in Turkey.
