Express & Star

Dalian Atkinson march: Campaigners hold peaceful rally

Campaigners and residents came together as they held a peaceful rally over the death of Dalian Atkinson.

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More than 130 people joined the 'Justice for Dalian Atkinson March', which arrived outside Malinsgate Police station, in Telford, on Saturday afternoon.

See how it happened here

Organiser, Desmond Jaddoo, said that the death of the former Aston Villa footballer, had raised a number of questions and left people worried about the use of Tasers.

He said: "There is a need for answers over what happened that night and the need for a robust, well resourced inquiry into the circumstances of what happened to Dalian Atkinson."

Placards which were shown during the march

Superintendent Tom Harding, of West Mercia Police, said they had worked well with the organisers to ensure the march had passed off peacefully.

He said: "We have been engaging with the organisers of this march to help ensure the event was safe for those taking part and the local community.

"Our discussions with the organisers have been positive and they were keen to stress their intentions to hold a peaceful event.

"Disruption to the area was minimal with some roads experiencing minor delays in order to allow those involved to walk from Telford Town Park to Malinsgate police station."

Mr Atkinson, 48, died after being tasered by police outside a house in Telford last month.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Two police officers have been served with gross misconduct notices and are currently suspended by the force while investigations continue

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